AnnualsDiscover the right annual plants for your garden.
A premix of Cora ® vincas . Photo by Proven Winners .
If you love the flavour of impatiens but need a carefree flowering yearbook that thrives in full Dominicus , annual genus Vinca is a great choice . Both plants raise an abundance of minuscule , colorful flush all summer long . But while most impatiens wither in red-hot , dry weather , genus Vinca is undaunted by intense summertime hotness , make it a favorite option for southerly gardens .
And peach about variety ! In addition to the common pastel tones , you may now discover delicious shades like grape , blackberry bush , apricot , cherry ruddy , and tangerine tree — often enhanced by contrasting eye . A broad range of growth habits are available , including trailing and dwarf bod tailor - made for container and advert baskets .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Caring for Vinca|Annual Vinca pic
VINCA BASICS
Botanical name:
Catharanthus roseus
Common names:
Madagascar Vinca rosea
Zones:
Technically a tender perennial in Zones 9 to 11 , but usually uprise as an annual in most climates .
Height/spread:
Typically 12 to 24 inches improbable and wide , with the elision of dwarf and drop behind types .
Bloom time:
Early summer until frost .
Special features:
Note : Not to be confused with common Vinca rosea ( Vinca underage ) and greater periwinkle ( Vinca major ) , which are low - growing , evergreen plant perennial often used as groundcovers .
GROWING TIPS
Cora ® Cascade Polka Dot vinca . pic by Proven Winners .
Where to plant:
In full sun to part shade in well - drain soil .
When to plant:
After the ground has warmed up in the spring , typically mid - May or afterwards in northern climates .
Growing from seed:
Sow seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost date in your sphere , keep an eye on the instruction on the seed packet . Seeds germinate considerably when the stain temperatures are over 75 ° F. Transplant seedlings outdoors once melodic phrase and soil temperatures are consistently above 65 ° F.
Growing in containers:
Plant in any general - purpose , well - draining potting soil . One with a dull - dismission fertilizer will keep your industrial plant well fed for a month or longer and get them off to a vigorous scratch line . If combine genus Vinca in the same container with other annuals or perennial , choose varieties that have the same exposure and water requirements .
Planting in the garden:
Space works far enough aside to see to it just air circulation ( about 8 to 12 column inch , depending on flora size at adulthood ) . In heavy soils , work in somecompostat planting meter to improve aeration .
CARING FOR VINCA
Watering:
Vincas like their grease to be on the wry side , so only water when the top column inch or so of the soil feels juiceless to the cutaneous senses or when rainfall is deficient to supply an in of water per week . To prevent leaf spot and fungal disease , avoid overhead watering or irrigate your plant early on in the morning so the foliage has plenty of time to dry before gloaming .
Fertilizing:
Apply a light top dressing of compost or aslow - release gritty fertilizerat planting time . Container - grown works may need more frequent eating with a liquid fertilizer .
Pruning:
Although pruning is unnecessary , you could pinch plants back if you want a replete coming into court . Flowers are self - clean , spare you the chore of deadheading .
Pests and problems:
Annual genus Vinca is unvanquishable to most pests , but it can succumb to staunch and root rot caused byPhytophthora — a soil- and water - borne fungal - similar micro-organism . The good preventive quantity are to avoid overwatering and provide proficient drain . These plants are also susceptible to leaf smirch diseases , with the beneficial defense being dear air circulation and to water them in the sunrise . Another way to avoid fungal problem is to institute one of the newer disease - immune cultivar , such as the Cora ® serial publication .
ANNUAL VINCA PICTURES
exposure : Proven Winners
Cora ® Apricot — Buy now from Proven WinnersCatharanthus roseus
Height:
14 to 16 column inch
Spread:
22 to 25 column inch
Why we love it:
This robust bloomer keeps on get going potent until the first touch of icing , putting on a continuous display of coral - colored blooms enlivened by chirpy red centers . breed to be highly insubordinate to theme and root rot , it ’s a reliable performer even during periods of extreme heat and humidity .
Soiree Kawaii ® Pink — Buy now from Proven WinnersCatharanthushybrid
6 to 10 inches
12 to 18 column inch
In Japanese , the word “ kawaii " mean cute , which capably describes the small pinkish flush of this unique hybrid . Although diminutive , the flowers create a big impact with their colour saturation and abundance . An exceedingly thickset , mounded growth habit make this a bang-up standalone plant in pots and containers .
Also try:
Other colors in the Soiree Kawaii ® serial publication , including Coral Reef , Blueberry Kiss , White Peppermint , Light Lavender and Red Shades .
exposure courtesy of Ball Seed .
Mediterranean XP Burgundy HaloC. roseus
4 to 6 inches
Up to 30 in
Here ’s another container superstar , particularly in hanging baskets , where you’re able to best show off the foresightful , cascading arm wrap up stem to stern with deep burgundy - red flowers . The only trailing vinca propose in a red chromaticity , according to breeder PanAmerican Seed .
Photo by Hort Pics / Millette Photomedia .
Tattoo ™ TangerineC. roseus
10 to 14 in
6 to 8 inches
These distinctive tangerine - colored efflorescence look as if they have been airbrushed with non-white purple ink , produce slur of colour radiating from bright ashen mall . Even in a minuscule planting , the vivid colour contrast and large lapping petals make an eye - catching showing .
Tattoo ™ Black Cherry , a portmanteau of cherry and Bronx cheer - colored petals enhanced by cryptical over-embellished brushstrokes .
Photo courtesy of All America Selections .
Jams ‘ N Jellies BlackberryC. roseus
10 to 12 inches
A truly unique accent industrial plant for summer garden bed and containers , this All - America Selections success create masses of voluptuous deep - majestic blossom the color of blackberry mess , set off by ample emerald - greenish foliage . Tiny white eye stand out like luminous star in contrast to the nearly black petals .
‘ Jaio Dark Red’C. roseus
12 to 15 inches
Up to 20 inches
Another All - America Selections top pick , earning extolment for its vivid scarlet - red flowers , prominent white centre , and well - branched , uniform wont . The large 2 - inch blooms stay vibrant for week , even during flow of heat and drought .
