Annual Vinca

Prepared by Karen Russ, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University (New 03/99. Added Images 05/09.)

HGIC 1158

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With heat, drought and poor soil tolerance, annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a very popular annual in South Carolina.

Annual vinca is available in a variety of colors.
Karen Russ, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Height/Spread

The plants grow 1 or 2 feet high and about the same in width. There are new spreading types that are wider and lower. Most vinca have a dense, rounded form.

Growth Rate

Vinca is grown as an annual. It will often return in following summers from self-sown seed. Annual vinca is not the same as the perennial periwinkles (Vinca minor or V. major) that are grown as groundcovers.

Ornamental Features

Vinca has durable, abundant flowers from June to frost. It is now available in a wonderful selection of new colors, larger flowers and even new growth habits. Both creeping and dwarf upright types are available.

Flowers and bud of 'Pacifica Polka Dot' annual vinca.
Flowers and bud of 'Pacivica Polka Dot' annual vinca
Karen Russ, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Landscape Use

Vinca is an easy-to-grow annual for beds, borders, edging and containers. Vinca prefers full sun, tolerates heat and drought and can be relied on to flower in the hottest weather throughout the entire summer.

Vinca takes a long time to flower when started from seed. It should not be planted outside until the ground is very warm. If planted too early, vinca often develops fungus problems. Improper pH may increase disease problems with vinca. A pH of 5.4 to 5.8 is ideal. Good soil drainage is important to prevent disease.

Vinca does not need either deadheading or pinching to maintain its bloom and form.

Problems

Annual vinca is one of the most trouble-free bedding plants. Some diseases such as root rots, stem rots and foliar diebacks can occur.

Cultivars

'Apricot Delight' has flowers white-flushed with apricot and a bright raspberry eye.
'Blue Pearl' is the closest to a blue vinca yet developed. It is a soft lavender blue with a white eye that grows to 18 inches tall.
'Cooler Series' has a uniform growth habit and clear, vibrant colors. 'Coolers' grow to 14 inches tall.
'Heat Wave Series' blooms extra early and grows to only 10 inches tall.
'Mediterranean' is a new series of spreading vinca. They reach only 6 inches tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. They can be used in hanging baskets, window boxes and at the front of the flowerbed. Colors available are lilac and white.
'Pacifica Series' grows to 14 inches tall and has large 2-inch-wide flowers with overlapping petals. This series is well-branched and extra early blooming. It is available in white, pink, rose and light purples with or without contrasting "eyes." 'Pacifica Red' is the first true red vinca.
'Passion' is a striking, deep orchid purple with a yellow eye. It grows 18 inches tall.
'Tropicana Series' is early blooming and has very large, rounded flowers. They grow to 15 inches or more.

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This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.