Vinca is a plant that can withstand summer heat and produce gorgeous leaves and endless blossoms. Besides giving summer color to flowerbeds, it's great for hanging baskets and containers!
Vinca, or periwinkle, resembles impatiens in bloom and leaves. Impatiens like shade, whereas vinca thrives in full sun. They thrive practically anywhere sunny, dry, and warm.
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Different kinds are available for practically any planting purpose. Vinca plants as tiny as 6 inches tall and with compact root systems are ideal for window boxes and small pots on sunny patios.
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For great flower power in your flowerbeds, other vincas can grow 18 inches! Some kinds grow erect, ideal for raised beds and gardens. Some prefer trailing ground cover. Hanging baskets and container displays benefit from these accents.
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No matter the kind, flowering annuals have brilliant blossoms and lustrous foliage that is beautiful even when not in bloom. Vinca also reduces summer watering because it's drought- and heat-resistant!
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Most vinca types blossom red, pink, white, or purple. With little maintenance, vinca blooms from late spring to frost. Although hardy in zones 9–11, they grow as annuals everywhere else.
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Vinca are heat- and sun-resistant and wonderful pollinators. Wonderful for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In addition, they are deer and rabbit-resistant!
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Vinca seeds might be difficult to germinate. They also mature slowly (10–12 weeks vs. 6–8 weeks for typical flowering annuals) before transplanting.
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Therefore, buying ready-to-plant transplants from local nurseries or greenhouses is usually better. They are frequently flowering and easy to establish.
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Start with a sunny spot. Remember that vinca adore light and heat, so put them where they will get 6–8 hours of sunlight. Midday sun is the brightest and warmest, so put them there.
Vinca needs well-draining soil most. If planting in flowerbeds, add compost or worm castings to the hole. These will add nutrients and loosen the soil to drain water. Sand can improve drainage in thick, clay-like soil.
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Vinca blooms without deadheading, another benefit. Due to its low energy needs, fading blooms do not compete with fresh ones.
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