For many homeowners, planning and planting an annual flower
bed is a yearly garden routine. Popular bedding plants not only add a vibrant
burst of color, but many continue to bloom throughout the entire summer season.
One such bedding plant, annual vinca, is an extremely popular choice for
growers.
Annual vinca plants are low growing flowering plants that come in a selection
of colors, usually white to pink. Also known as annual periwinkle, these plants
thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. The ability of vinca to grow and
bloom throughout periods of hot weather make it especially popular. However,
like many annuals, there are some concerns in regards to pest and disease
tolerance.
Vinca Plant Diseases
When discussing the vinca plant, problems may result for a
variety of reasons. Most commonly, issues with vinca are related to the
weather. Growing seasons which have been especially rainy can help contribute
to the spread of disease among vinca plants. This issue may also be compounded
when the flowers have been planted in less than ideal conditions, as they do
require well-draining soil.
Fungal diseases, such as phtyophthora blight and leaf spot,
are common among annual vinca plants. When soils are excessively wet, fungal
spores are able to reproduce and infect plants. Infected plants first
demonstrate signs of infection in the form of yellow to dark brown spots on
leaves. As the disease progresses, the plant and roots may begin to rot.
In severe infections, it is possible to lose entire
plantings of vinca. While it may be possible to treat the plants with
fungicide, many suggest removing infected plants from the garden to prevent
spread.
Vinca Insect Pests
Insect attacks on this plant are few but can happen on occasion. Some of the more commonly seen pests on annual vinca plants include aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Generally, most of these pests can be controlled with beneficial insects that feed on them or with the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prevention of Vinca Plant Problems
While not all problems growing vinca can be avoided, there
are several ways in which to proactively maintain the health of plants.
Providing optimal growth environments will help to reduce vinca insect pests
and diseases.
Like many plants, it is important that gardeners prepare
well amended and well-draining flower beds before planting. In addition to
drainage, vinca plants also require adequate spacing. Proper spacing, which
allows air circulation, may help decrease the chance of some forms of blight.
When working to prevent vinca plant diseases, soil conditions
are of great importance. Annual vinca plants are unique in that the plants
prefer soil that is somewhat acidic. In addition to this acidity, both soil
temperature and night time temperature should be allowed to warm in the spring
or early summer before planting. Crop rotation is also beneficial to
maintaining a healthy flower bed, especially if disease has been a problem in
previous growing seasons.
With suitable growing conditions, the chance of pests or disease of annual vinca is limited, and this heat and drought tolerant plant will reward home gardeners with prolific blooms.
For many homeowners, planning and planting an annual flower
bed is a yearly garden routine. Popular bedding plants not only add a vibrant
burst of color, but many continue to bloom throughout the entire summer season.
One such bedding plant, annual vinca, is an extremely popular choice for
growers.
Annual vinca plants are low growing flowering plants that come in a selection
of colors, usually white to pink. Also known as annual periwinkle, these plants
thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. The ability of vinca to grow and
bloom throughout periods of hot weather make it especially popular. However,
like many annuals, there are some concerns in regards to pest and disease
tolerance.
Vinca Plant Diseases
When discussing the vinca plant, problems may result for a
variety of reasons. Most commonly, issues with vinca are related to the
weather. Growing seasons which have been especially rainy can help contribute
to the spread of disease among vinca plants. This issue may also be compounded
when the flowers have been planted in less than ideal conditions, as they do
require well-draining soil.
Fungal diseases, such as phtyophthora blight and leaf spot,
are common among annual vinca plants. When soils are excessively wet, fungal
spores are able to reproduce and infect plants. Infected plants first
demonstrate signs of infection in the form of yellow to dark brown spots on
leaves. As the disease progresses, the plant and roots may begin to rot.
In severe infections, it is possible to lose entire
plantings of vinca. While it may be possible to treat the plants with
fungicide, many suggest removing infected plants from the garden to prevent
spread.
Vinca Insect Pests
Insect attacks on this plant are few but can happen on occasion. Some of the more commonly seen pests on annual vinca plants include aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Generally, most of these pests can be controlled with beneficial insects that feed on them or with the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prevention of Vinca Plant Problems
While not all problems growing vinca can be avoided, there
are several ways in which to proactively maintain the health of plants.
Providing optimal growth environments will help to reduce vinca insect pests
and diseases.
Like many plants, it is important that gardeners prepare
well amended and well-draining flower beds before planting. In addition to
drainage, vinca plants also require adequate spacing. Proper spacing, which
allows air circulation, may help decrease the chance of some forms of blight.
When working to prevent vinca plant diseases, soil conditions
are of great importance. Annual vinca plants are unique in that the plants
prefer soil that is somewhat acidic. In addition to this acidity, both soil
temperature and night time temperature should be allowed to warm in the spring
or early summer before planting. Crop rotation is also beneficial to
maintaining a healthy flower bed, especially if disease has been a problem in
previous growing seasons.
With suitable growing conditions, the chance of pests or disease of annual vinca is limited, and this heat and drought tolerant plant will reward home gardeners with prolific blooms.