January in Sarasota is peak “garden again” season—bright days, cooler nights, and containers begging for color. If you want blooms that stay cheerful from now through spring, reach for vinca (Catharanthus roseus), especially the Cora XDR series we grow on our benches at Troy’s Tropics.
Unlike fussy annuals that pout in cool mornings, Cora XDR keeps pushing buds in our mild winter, then keeps right on going as days warm in March and April.
Why Vinca Works in Our Winter Window
- Loves winter sun: Shorter daylight and lower sun angle are perfect for strong flowering.
- Handles dry spells: January–March is our dry season—vinca prefers deep water, then a dry-down.
- Tidy between showers: Self-cleaning blooms keep containers neat after quick fronts.
- XDR advantage: Cora XDR is bred for extra disease resistance, a big help when nights are cool and dewy.
Cold snap tip: if a night is forecast below the upper 30s°F, move containers under cover or toss a frost cloth over beds. Vinca rebounds quickly.
Feature Variety: Cora XDR ‘Orchid’ — Soft-Lilac Bloom That Reads From the Walk
Look: Cool orchid-lilac petals with a crisp center; glossy, deep-green foliage.
Habit: Even, rounded mounds (12–18″ high and wide).
Where it shines: Window boxes, front-of-bed borders, and lanai bowls paired with silver foliage (dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, dusty miller).
Why we grow it: The color is subtle but visible from the street, and it keeps its shape all winter.
Feature Variety: Cora XDR ‘Deep Strawberry’ — Saturated Pink, Zero Drama
Look: Vivid, deep strawberry-pink blooms that don’t fade.
Habit: Strong branching and blanket coverage to 12–18″.
Where it shines: Statement pots, mailbox plantings, and patio groupings with white alyssum or blue lobelia.
Why we grow it: Customers want a bold pink that keeps blooming through late winter—this one delivers.
What’s on the Benches This Season (Rotates Weekly)
We grow and stage a broad color bar so you can theme any space:
Cora XDR colors you’ll commonly find:
Orchid, Deep Strawberry, Apricot, Cranberry, Red, Red Glow, Shell Pink, Punch, Blue, Blush, Violet, Purple, American Pie, Black Cherry, Blackberry, Mix (availability varies by week)
Specialty/companion series (seasonal):
- Vinca Cascade (trailing for baskets & window boxes)
- Vinca Cora XDR (vibrant blooms)
Pro move: Build three-color runs along curving bed edges—repeat every 4–6 feet for rhythm that reads from the street.
Where to Use Vinca in Winter (Fast Wins)
- Lanai & pool-cage containers in full sun (great with geraniums, alyssum, and bacopa).
- Walkway and mailbox beds where irrigation is light.
- Window boxes that get morning sun and bright afternoons.
- Low-water strips along driveways and hot pavers (excellent drainage = happy plants).
Grower Notes: How We Grow Vinca (So Yours Stay Strong)
At Troy’s Tropics
- We use fast-draining media and proper spacing to prevent stretch.
- Plants are pinched for branching and hardened off before retail.
- Feeding is balanced to build buds, not just leaves.
At home
- Light: Full winter sun or at least 6 hours.
- Water: Soak thoroughly, then let the top inch dry. Never leave pots in saucers of water.
- Soil: Use a well-drained container mix; raise pots on feet for airflow.
- Fertilizer: Light, balanced feed every 4–6 weeks in active bloom.
- Salt: Low tolerance—avoid direct coastal spray or salty pool splash.
- Grooming: Self-cleaning, but snap off spent clusters for speedier re-bloom.
Easy Winter Combos (Copy/Paste to Your Cart)
- Porch Classic: Cora XDR Deep Strawberry + white alyssum + liriope (edge)
- Coastal Cool: Cora XDR Orchid + dusty miller + salvia
- Mailbox Pop: Alternating bands of Red Glow, Shell Pink, and White (Cora XDR Mix)
Quick FAQ
Are vinca annuals in Sarasota?
Yes—treat them as seasonal color. They bloom January–April and can continue as days warm.
Do they need full sun in winter?
Yes. Shorter days mean more sun = more bloom. Aim for 6–8+ hours.
How do I protect them from a cold snap?
Cover with frost cloth or move containers to shelter if temps dip to the mid–upper 30s°F.
Do I need to deadhead?
Not required—vinca self-cleans, but removing spent clusters speeds re-bloom.
Will they tolerate coastal conditions?
They handle light breezes but have low salt tolerance—site away from direct spray.
Ready for Winter Color That Lasts?
See Cora XDR ‘Orchid’ and Cora XDR ‘Deep Strawberry’ on the benches now—plus rotating specialty shades.
Troy’s Tropics – Retail Nursery & Wholesale Garden Center
4151 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 • (941) 923-3756
Prefer to order ahead? shop.troystropics.com (pickup or local delivery).
