QUESTION
We have vincas, but think we will quit using them because they get a disease and mush down. It was especially bad last year in the rain. Is there a solution?

ANSWER
Vincas used to be the most popular annual flower on the market. They bloom every day all summer until cold weather arrives. Unfortunately, they are very susceptible to a fungal disease called aerial phytophera that melts them down to mush if the foliage stays wet in cool weather. New on the market they year is a variety, 'Cora," that is sold as aerial phytophera resistant. That means gardeners can begin using vincas in the garden this time of the year instead of waiting until June when temperatures are high and humidity is low.

If you chose to use the older vinca selections, it is essential that you mulch around the plants and avoid watering from overhead. The fungal spores are splashed from the soil.

Vincas are available in pink, lavender, red, and white. Many selections are bicolor. Vinca is very drought-tolerant and a favorite of butterflies. Grow them in full sun.