VINCA ‘CORA MIX’ or PERIWINKLE Catharanthus roseus ‘Cora Mix’
Characteristics • Type: Annual • Water: Medium • Zone: Perennial in zones 10 to 11 • Maintenance: Low • Height: 14–18 inches • Suggested Use: Annual • Spread: 14–18 inches • Flower: Showy • Bloom Time: June to frost • Attracts: Butterflies • Bloom: Range from white to burgundy • Tolerate: Rabbit, Drought, Dry Soil • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Texas Superstar®
Culture
The introduction of Cora vinca greatly reduced the threat of aerial phytophera. Now you can plant vincas in April or May and expect them to survive cool, rainy spells and foliage wetting. Cora is blooming when you obtain transplants from the nursery and blooms every day until cold weather arrives about Thanksgiving. Cora vincas are very drought tolerant. Grow it in a container or garden bed in full sun. It is a favorite nectar source for butterflies and deer do not eat vinca. There is a spreading version of Cora vinca called Cascade that has the disease resistance of Cora and makes an excellent plant for hanging baskets.
Noteworthy Characteristics
You may also see Nirvana™ brand periwinkles. Cora™ and Nirvana™ are just the same, but Nirvana™ are vegetatively produced instead of started from seed. Cora™ is not only disease-resistant, but also more attractive. The leaves and the flowers of this series are larger and the foliage is glossy and deep green. The colors come in a wide assortment including white, lavender, deep lavender, apricot with a red center, pink, burgundy and violet. In general, periwinkles are very carefree and do best in soils relatively average in nutrients. They need well-drained soil which does not contain much organic matter.
Problems
Now while Cora™ (and Nirvana™) is resistant to a certain aerial fungus, it can still contract certain root- rotting fungal organisms, so be careful not to over-water.
Garden Uses
Both Cora™ (and Nirvana™) periwinkles make great summer plants for bedding, for use in containers, window boxes and in hanging baskets (for the trailing types).