Blockbuster™ Purple Catharanthus

Blockbuster™ Purple is a Blockbuster™ F1 annual vinca for warm-season color in sunny beds and containers. Its purple flowers begin in late spring and continue through summer, according to the breeder. The upright plants suit landscape plantings and larger containers. ## Identification and garden use The [Syngenta Flowers profile](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/ams/product/flower/70092228) identifies Blockbuster™ Purple, Catharanthus roseus, and lists the Blockbuster™ series as an upright, early-blooming annual with large flowers. The breeder gives a typical garden size of 10–12 inches tall and 12–16 inches wide. The flowers are purple. ## Growing conditions Syngenta specifies full sun for Blockbuster. General [UF/IFAS periwinkle guidance](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fp112) recommends well-drained soil and notes heat tolerance for the species. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/catharanthus-roseus/common-name/annual-vinca/) describes Catharanthus roseus as a warm-season bedding plant with a long summer display. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade can reduce stress, while drainage remains important. ## Maintenance Water when the soil surface begins to dry and avoid keeping roots saturated. Remove damaged stems and spent flowers as needed to keep the planting tidy. Catharanthus is tender to frost and is generally grown as an annual where winters are cold.