Are these Vincas annuals or perennials?

15 years ago

The landscapers are supposed to be putting some sort of perennial ground cover at the front of our house. So they planted these Vincas, but there was a little disagreement between DH and my mom about whether this type was in fact the perennial type opposed to the annual type (which I do NOT want). The landscapers have had mix-ups in the past, so I just want to make sure.

Thanks!

Amy in TX

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Comments (11)

redneck_grower
15 years ago
Annuals
redneck_grower
15 years ago
Oh, and they're still called Vinca, but they're not in that genus anymore. I think you have Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar periwinkle.
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gardenguru1950
15 years ago
Technically these are "tropical perennials" but are treated as annuals wherever the winter gets frosty. They are, indeed, Catharanthus.

I am sure what you wanted is some form of Vinca, preferably Vinca minor, which is a very good and common groundcover.

Your contractor goofed.

Joe
redneck_grower
15 years ago
Thanks for the clarification, Gardenguru. They will certainly behave like annuals in Zone 8. They won't come back next spring. Sorry!
blissful_in_tx
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for your valuable input; that's what I was afraid to hear.

Oh, and I updated my zone to 7 because I forgot to change it after we moved. Still Texas though.

Excuse me while I go bang my head against the wall.
Heathen1
15 years ago
Well, you don't have to bang it as hard as if you had planted true vinca... I would have pounded it for you. :o)
Hate that stuff... it can spread like wildfire 2 whole house yards from the original yard of origin. AAAAAAAH!
I feel like starting a club called People for the Ethical Destruction of Vinca. :o)
blissful_in_tx
Original Author
15 years ago
I feel like starting a club called People for the Ethical Destruction of Vinca. >>>>

Haha, why don't you tell us how you really feel about it!~ Well any suggestions for a good ornamental ground cover? We have a colonial style house on top of a hill with a lot of wind and strong sun on that side.
iris_lover
15 years ago
Course, the vinca you got is not that bad...only lasts a season, but loves the sun, heat and drought!!!

who could ask for more???

marie
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
15 years ago
Vinca minor will not behave the same in all locations and under all conditions - in dry shade or in full sun, its growth will be quite restrained compared to how well it can spread in a moister, woodland situation. Aggressive spreading is afterall the primary purpose of a good groundcover :-))
carrie630
15 years ago
The vinca you have does reseed (if you don't have heavy mulch). I am constantly finding babies and moving them to where I want. Good luck! Carrie
Iris GW
15 years ago
This "vinca" is my favorite annual ... a true performer and doesn't require a lot of care.

Glad to know the "real" name for it.