Happened to me years ago at our old house. After reading up on it decided I could only grow them in containers after that. I didn't even try it.

New house and garden beds, will try them here this year. I scored tons of volunteers from Carrie!

Major or minor? Can you post pictures of your sick vinca?

I'm not sure if it is major or minor. It's the ones called "Cora" Vinca. They start shriveling up like they haven't been watered. When you water, they shrivel faster.

I've lost a few here and there in previous years. Nothing like this year. Apparently, the fungus loves the local growing conditions. Now that I've got it, it is pretty much here to stay. I'll be looking for some different type replacement flowers.

So sorry you've had problems with vinca. I've read about it, but never experienced it. So far my recently planted vincas have been healthy.

They recommend planting them late such at early June to help fend off the fungus which likes cooler weather and moisture , plus they were breeding wilt resistant varieties, but it looks like the disease is not entirely absent even in them.

First vincas and now impatiens are in trouble:

http://www.buffalo-niagaragardening.com/2012/09/04/disease-thats-killing-impatiens-may-return-for-years-no-treatment-exists/

Here is a link that might be useful: Scroll down a bit for information and photos on Vinca wilt disease ....

Here is a classic problem with common names. It is not either Vinca major or V. minor, but is Catharanthus AKA Madagascar periwinkle AKA annual vinca. It's a tropical perennial (USDA z 10 & 11) often grown as an annual. As far as I know they aren't related.

Here is a link that might be useful: Catharanthus

excessive rain will cause fungus, inground or potted. Sometimes if retail establishment puts them out for sale a little too soon, they might not be strong enough to take what new environment brings on. Can hardly control that. Just toss it and get another. If your budget does not allow, then grow from seeds, extremely easy and cheap.

The Cora series are likely the best and strongest cultivars out there but no name or other series are pretty close so don't get too hung up and getting a brand name.

We had a day in Early May where the temperatures got into the low 40's and it was wet. Most likely all the growers in Texas dealt with these conditions.

Thank you, Babs! I've been planting vinca major on too very large hills as a ground cover and was worried.

I cannot grow them except in pots too. I don't know which I tried but I know it was several including those for hanging baskets. Even had some in hanging baskets succumb to it.
The information in this link is very helpful. c