Annual Vinca Plant Care
Vinca rosea L.
Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as bright eyes, Cape periwinkle, graveyard plant, Madagascar periwinkle, old maid, pink periwinkle, rose periwinkle, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native and endemic to Madagascar, but is grown elsewhere as an ornamental and medicinal plant, and now has a pantropical distribution.
Every 7â10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60â80°F
40â60%
What Is the Annual Vinca?
Annual Vinca (Vinca rosea) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Vinca genus. Annual Vinca is native to Madagascar. Annual Vinca is also known as Madagascar Periwinkle, Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle.
Annual Vinca displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Annual Vinca produces small, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Annual Vinca?
Vinca rosea requires watering every 7â10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7â10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Annual Vinca Need?
Annual Vinca thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200â1000 lux. Avoid placing Annual Vinca in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200â1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Annual Vinca Prefer?
Vinca rosea grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Annual Vinca prefers humidity levels of 40â60%.
Temperature
60â80°F
Humidity
40â60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Annual Vinca?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Annual Vinca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Annual Vinca?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Annual Vinca?
Annual Vinca can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greater periwinkle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Annual Vinca Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Annual Vinca?
Annual Vinca is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Annual Vinca Need?
Annual Vinca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. Native to Madagascar, Annual Vinca is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Annual Vinca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Annual Vinca is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Vinca genus â compare its care with other Vinca species on PlantoScan.
Annual Vinca tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots â browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Vinca Species
Other Vinca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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