Vinca, Annual
Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)
#1 choice for summer color!
Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus
Common Names: Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca, Rose Periwinkle
Native to: Madagascar
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Height: 8 to 18 inches
Width: 8 to 24 inches
Winter Look: Typically grown as an annual in most climates, dying after the first frost. Will reseed itself when happy.
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall, with continuous blooming during warm weather
Drought Tolerance: High. Catharanthus roseus is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil. It performs best in soils with low fertility, making it highly adaptable to challenging conditions.
pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10 to 11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Deer Resistance: High. Deer rarely browse on Catharanthus roseus, making it a great choice for deer-prone areas.
Attracts: Pollinators such as bees and butterflies
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Contains alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress or more severe symptoms in large amounts.
Potential Issues: Generally pest- and disease-resistant, but overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal diseases like botrytis.
Notes: Catharanthus roseus is a popular choice for hot, sunny gardens due to its vibrant, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. Its glossy green foliage provides a lush background for the continuous blooms. This low-maintenance plant is often used in borders, containers, and as a ground cover. Known for its heat and drought tolerance, it is perfect for areas with challenging growing conditions. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers well-draining soils and can withstand dry spells. This plant is not only valued for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties; it has been used in pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases, including cancer.
This is a great warm weather annual that usually becomes available in late spring. They have excellent heat/drought tolerance and are prolific bloomers. Some grow more bush-like, while others crawl along the ground.
These are also super deer-resistant! The deer will sometimes mess with new plantings, though.
Check annuals every morning for the first few weeks because the deer may pull them up and spit them out.