AnnualsDiscover the right annual plants for your garden.
A mixture of Cora ® vincas . Photo by Proven Winners .
If you roll in the hay the look of impatiens but require a carefree flowering annual that thrives in full Sunday , annual vinca is a great selection . Both plant produce an copiousness of small , colourful flower all summer long . But while most impatiens wither in hot , dry weather condition , genus Vinca is undaunted by intense summer warmth , making it a favored choice for southerly garden .
And speak about variety ! In addition to the common pastel tones , you could now find toothsome shades like grape vine , blackberry bush , apricot , cherry red , and tangerine — often enhanced by contrast eyes . A wide range of increase habit are available , admit trailing and dwarf forms tailor - made for container and hang baskets .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Caring for Vinca|Annual Vinca Pictures
VINCA BASICS
Botanical name:
genus Catharanthus roseus
Common names:
Madagascar old maid
Zones:
Technically a tender perennial in Zones 9 to 11 , but usually uprise as an yearly in most climates .
Height/spread:
Typically 12 to 24 inches tall and broad , with the elision of midget and trailing types .
Bloom time:
Early summertime until rime .
Special features:
take down : Not to be obnubilate with common Madagascar periwinkle ( Vinca minor ) and smashing periwinkle ( Vinca major ) , which are low - growing , evergreen plant perennial often used as groundcover .
GROWING TIPS
Cora ® Cascade Polka Dot genus Vinca . photograph by Proven Winners .
Where to plant:
In full Sunday to part specter in well - debilitate soil .
When to plant:
After the ground has warmed up in the spring , typically mid - May or after in northern climates .
Growing from seed:
Sow seed indoors 10 to 12 workweek prior to the last frost date in your area , following the instruction on the seed packet . germ germinate best when the soil temperatures are over 75 ° F. Transplant seedling outdoors once air and grime temperatures are systematically above 65 ° F.
Growing in containers:
Plant in any universal - determination , well - draining potting filth . One with a slow - release fertilizer will keep your plants well feed in for a calendar month or longer and get them off to a vigorous start . If combining genus Vinca in the same container with other annuals or perennial , take varieties that have the same exposure and pee essential .
Planting in the garden:
Space plant far enough asunder to secure good air circulation ( about 8 to 12 inches , depending on plant size at matureness ) . In heavy soils , work in somecompostat planting metre to improve aeration .
CARING FOR VINCA
Watering:
Vincas like their dirt to be on the dry side , so only water when the top in or so of the dirt feels teetotal to the touching or when rainfall is insufficient to supply an in of water per week . To prevent leaf spot and fungal diseases , avoid overhead watering or water your plants early in the morning so the foliage has plenteousness of fourth dimension to dry before crepuscle .
Fertilizing:
Apply a light top dressing of compost or aslow - acquittance coarse-grained fertilizerat planting clock time . Container - grown works may postulate more frequent feedings with a fluent fertiliser .
Pruning:
Although pruning is unnecessary , you’re able to pinch industrial plant back if you want a fuller appearance . Flowers are ego - cleaning , sparing you the job of deadheading .
Pests and problems:
yearly genus Vinca is unbeatable to most pests , but it can buckle under to stem and root word rotting have byPhytophthora — a soil- and water - borne fungal - like micro-organism . The good preventative touchstone are to debar overwatering and provide undecomposed drainage . These plants are also susceptible to leaf spot diseases , with the good defense being good air travel circulation and to water them in the morning . Another fashion to avoid fungal problems is to found one of the New disease - resistant cultivar , such as the Cora ® series .
ANNUAL VINCA PICTURES
Photo : Proven Winners
Cora ® Apricot — Buy now from Proven WinnersCatharanthus roseus
Height:
14 to 16 inches
Spread:
22 to 25 inches
Why we love it:
This robust bloomer keeps on kick the bucket secure until the first touch of hoarfrost , putting on a continuous video display of coral - color blooms enlivened by perky ruby-red centers . Bred to be extremely insubordinate to root word and ascendent bunk , it ’s a honest performer even during full stop of extreme high temperature and humidness .
Soiree Kawaii ® Pink — bribe now from Proven WinnersCatharanthushybrid
6 to 10 in
12 to 18 inch
In Japanese , the word “ kawaii " means cute , which aptly account the small pinkish blossom of this unique loan-blend . Although midget , the flowers create a enceinte impact with their color vividness and copiousness . An passing compact , mounded growth habit makes this a great standalone plant in pots and containers .
Also try:
Other colors in the Soiree Kawaii ® series , include Coral Reef , Blueberry Kiss , White Peppermint , Light Lavender and Red Shades .
Photo good manners of Ball Seed .
Mediterranean XP Burgundy HaloC. roseus
4 to 6 inches
Up to 30 inches
Here ’s another container wiz , especially in hanging baskets , where you’re able to well show off the long , cascade branches covered fore to stern with deep burgundy - ruddy flowers . The only tag genus Vinca offered in a red hue , consort to breeder PanAmerican Seed .
Photo by Hort Pics / Millette Photomedia .
Tattoo ™ TangerineC. roseus
10 to 14 inches
6 to 8 inch
These typical tangerine - bleached blooms look as if they have been airbrushed with dark purple ink , creating smudges of color radiating from promising lily-white centers . Even in a modest planting , the vivid color demarcation and orotund overlapping flower petal make an eye - catching display .
Tattoo ™ Black Cherry , a blend of cherry and raspberry - colored petal raise by deep empurpled brushstrokes .
Photo courtesy of All America Selections .
Jams ‘ N Jellies BlackberryC. roseus
10 to 12 inches
A truly unequaled accent flora for summer garden bed and containers , this All - America Selections winner get masses of luscious deep - majestic prime the color of blackberry jam , set off by plentiful emerald - green foliage . petite bloodless eyes place upright out like lambent stars in direct contrast to the nearly black flower petal .
‘ Jaio Dark Red’C. roseus
12 to 15 column inch
Up to 20 inches
Another All - America Selections top pick , earning kudos for its intense scarlet - cherry-red flowers , prominent bloodless centers , and well - branched , consistent riding habit . The expectant 2 - column inch blooms remain vivacious for weeks , even during period of heat and drought .
