How Much Water Do Sundevil Flowers Need?

Annual vinca, like the Sun Devil series, bloom brightly throughout the growing season.

Sun Devil flowers is a name for Catharanthus roseus Sun Devil Extreme Series, a group of vincas (Madagascar periwinkles) developed by the Floranova plant breeding company of the United Kingdom. Sun Devil vincas, like other Catharanthus should not be overwatered once they are established.

Characteristics

Madagascar periwinkles, like the Sun Devil series, are grown as annuals in cold winter climates. They are low-growing, branching plants with large, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, rose and pink, sometimes with a contrasting central blotch or eye. The glossy leaves are 2- to 3-inches long.

Water Needs

Sun Devil periwinkles, like other members of the Catharanthus species, require regular supplemental water only, usually for about a month, until they become established. This series of F1 hybrids was specifically bred for hardiness, especially resistance to heat and drought conditions.

Considerations

These plants thrive best in relatively poor, dry, free-draining soil. Bad drainage or too much watering reduces vigor and leads to rot. Amending the soil with sand, grit or fine gravel increases drainage.

References

• Floranova: Series List: Vitesse Vinca
• University of Georgia: 2008 Trail Results: Sun Devil Extreme Peppermint
• Floridata: Catharanthus roseus