The Vibrant Vincas -- And Their Friend Angelonia

The last check on the containers showed that the vincas were doing great.  Most folks know about vincas -- those tough summer annuals that can withstand all the heat and drought you can throw at them.  In fact, they don't really strut their stuff until it is hot.  So anyway, I had to share with you what the containers around the Town Park look like after two months of growth.  

For the center piece I had left the Rosemary 'Barbeque' from the winter arrangements.  Unfortunately, not all of them put out new growth in the spring so you'll see a few brown branches and skimpy growth, but please look past that. Normally this variety of rosemary will nearly take over a spot, turning into a small shrub, so I'm not sure why some of these decided not to play with their friends this year. 

But let's check out some of my favorite vinca colors.

The variety that I used -- and always use -- is the Cora series.  They have proven themselves over the years to be strong, disease resistant and to produce mountains of blooms.  One thing I can say about the producers of the Cora series is that they didn't spend much time naming these guys.  This one is Vinca Cora 'Pink'.  Makes it pretty easy to ask for it at your local nursery.

Notice also that in every container I used Angelonia Serena 'White' or 'Purple' for a contrasting color and to bridge the area between the vinca and the rosemary.  If you haven't used angelonia in your containers or your beds, you have been missing out on another outstanding performer.  You will get continuous blooms all summer with little or no pest or disease problems.

This next variety of vinca is one of my favorites this year....Vinca Cora 'Apricot'.  It has such a fresh look to it.

It looks so good paired with the purple angelonia.  I plan to use this one in more containers next season.

There are eight containers around the Park so I used four different colors of vinca and mixed them with either the white or purple angelonia.  Unfortunately, I didn't seem to get a picture of Vinca Cora 'Burgundy' yet.  But imagine if you will a very deep version of the 'Pink' variety.  It looks great with the white angelonia.

Speaking of white....here is Vinca Cora 'White' mixed with Angelonia Serena 'Purple'.  This combination has a really crisp, neat look to it.

There are other combinations around town using Cora vincas but these are the most concentrated and easiest to find.  

You probably won't find the Cora series at the box stores but you will likely find them at the independent stores.  For locals, you can always be sure to find them at Thomas Orchards Greenhouse & Nursery in Watkinsville.