How many types of Periwinkle are there?
Periwinkle is also called vinca or myrtle. Of the 12 species of periwinkle, two are popular groundcovers. All species have opposite leaves and single flowers. The perennial periwinkle should not be confused with the bedding plant, Madagascar periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ).
Is Periwinkle a trailing plant?
It is ideal for small areas and is a trailing type of flower, although it does not grow aggressively. These consist of blue flowers and yellow and green foliage. With clump-forming, large petals in lavender, this variety of periwinkle is one of the most popular hybrids.
When does a periwinkle flower?
Periwinkle flowers in early spring. Periwinkle is also called vinca or myrtle. Of the 12 species of periwinkle, two are popular groundcovers. All species have opposite leaves and single flowers. The perennial periwinkle should not be confused with the bedding plant, Madagascar periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ).
Is Vinca a type of Periwinkle?
Periwinkle is also called vinca or myrtle. Of the 12 species of periwinkle, two are popular groundcovers. All species have opposite leaves and single flowers. The perennial periwinkle should not be confused with the bedding plant, Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).
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How many sepals does periwinkle have?
5Stems and leaves usually with hairs (pubescent), sometimes hairless. Flowers borne in leaf axils, either singly or paired on very short stalks (pedicels). Sepals 5, 2-6 mm long, narrow, usually with hairs (pubescent).
What does a periwinkle flower look like?
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an excellent evergreen groundcover with dark green foliage. Oblong to ovate leaves are opposite, simple, ½ to 2 inches long, glossy, with a short petiole. They exude a milky juice when broken. Flowers are purple, blue or white depending on the cultivar.
Why are periwinkles called the flower of death?
Periwinkle, an evergreen trailing groundcover, is a common invader throughout most of the United States. It is native to Europe, where it was commonly known in folklore as the “flower of death” because its vines were woven into headbands worn by dead children or criminals on their way to execution.
How many sepals does Vinca flower have?
5wide, fused, 5-lobed, lobes obliquely blunt. Sepals 5, glabrous.
Is periwinkle blue or purple?
Periwinkle is a pale indigo color that takes its name from the flower. It is blue with shades of purple and sits between the two in the color wheel.
What type of flower is periwinkle?
The periwinkle is a flowering shrub that belongs to the dogbane or Apocynaceae family.
Is periwinkle poisonous to touch?
Periwinkle plants are safe to handle and may not harm when touched; however, wash your hands thoroughly after pruning, cutting, or potting these plants as the toxins might have flowed on your hands.
Can you eat periwinkles flowers?
When taken by mouth: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage.
Is periwinkle a lucky plant?
It's also customary for people planning a wedding to include a periwinkle on their bouquet for luck when they tie the knot. Periwinkle flowers also have a long history of representing love, protection, and loyalty. Periwinkle flowers are the national flower of Georgia. It can even symbolize strength and purity.
What is the margin of periwinkle Leaf?
Oppositely arranged leaves are 3-9 cm long and 2-6 cm broad, glossy dark green with a leathery texture and an entire but distinctly hairy margin, and a hairy petiole 1-2 cm long.
What is periwinkle good for?
Periwinkle is also used for treating diarrhea, vaginal discharge, throat ailments, tonsillitis, chest pain, high blood pressure, sore throat, intestinal pain and swelling (inflammation), toothache, and water retention (edema).
Is periwinkle a shrub?
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an herbaceous evergreen plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering shrubs. The periwinkle plant is also known by the common names lesser periwinkle and creeping myrtle. Periwinkles are native to Europe and are frequently planted as groundcover in North America.
What are the names of the flowers in the periwinkle?
There are several names for periwinkles, including Vinca minor, Vinca major, Magdalena, church-flower, blue buttons, joy on the ground, devil’s eye, sorcerer’s violet, and myrtle . One of the active ingredients in the periwinkle is Vincamine, which has been used in numerous scientific studies for years.
Where did the Periwinkle originate?
The lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) originated in Spain, France and other parts of Europe while the greater periwinkle (Vinca major) originated in Southern Europe. They are close relatives to Madagascar periwinkle, so-called because it is native to the island of Madagascar.
What is the purpose of periwinkle plant?
Reducing calcium buildup from dialysis. Pain relief, including from sore throats and headaches. One of the most interesting things about the periwinkle plant is that there are various varieties, including the Littorinidae, which is actually a form of a snail.
What is Madagascar Periwinkle used for?
The Madagascar periwinkle has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for diabetes, eye infections, sore throats, tumors and other ailments. Western scientists also recognize it may have anticancer agents after a shaman in Madagascar used the plant for treating tumors and cancer.
Why is Vinca called Vinca?
The species name, Vinca, is derived from a Latin word that means “to overcome,” which is appropriate because since medieval times the plant has been used for a variety of ailments. In fact, several prescription drugs to help cure cancer have been made with the periwinkle flower in the past several decades.
How wide are tulips?
They are always stunning flowers, in part because their petals get up to 5 inches in width and come in almost any color you can imagine. This makes them the perfect choice when you want multi-colored flower beds or hanging baskets.
How big does a petunia flower get?
With single, funnel-shaped blooms, this petunia is very tolerant of heat and is very compact, spreading to 15 inches wide and 15 inches high. Its colors include blue, red, coral, pink, and raspberry, most of which are variegated and contain more than one color per petal.
How to grow periwinkle flowers?
The easiest and quickest way to grow periwinkle is to use cuttings, nursery transplants or seedlings. You don’t need to buy a lot of them, as they tend to spread fairly quickly.
How long do periwinkles grow?
Periwinkles often bloom from spring to autumn depending on the climate, and they grow to be approximately 15 centimetres in length. They’re able to spread using rooting shoots that are long and trailing.
How to keep periwinkle plants from spreading?
Ensure that the periwinkle plants are properly spaced out in nutrient-rich soil. Adding fertiliser, compost, and mulch provides more nutrients. To contain the spread of periwinkle, dig out and throw away any plants growing out of bounds.
How far apart should I plant periwinkles?
When planting periwinkle flowers, ensure that there is enough space for them to grow 60 centimetres wide and 15 centimetr es in length. A recommended spacing of 45 centimetres is required when planting. Ensure that the soil is properly watered and ensure that it stays moist for the first 10 weeks of the growing process until ...
What is the name of the tree that grows along hills and banks?
The humble periwinkle is often found creeping along hills and banks, providing green coverage and erosion control in areas that may need it most. It’s often referred to as creeping myrtle or creeping vinca.
When should I plant periwinkle?
When to Plant Periwinkle. You should plant periwinkle in spring or early autumn. While they are evergreen, they need protection from the wind and cold. The tiny little periwinkle flowers will bloom in spring or summer.
Can periwinkles survive in the sun?
The periwinkle thrives in the sun but can survive in the shade. The soil needs to be prepared to ensure nutrition and optimal drainage, and must be kept moist throughout the growing process. Periwinkle easily spreads and grows, so ensure the area you plant it in has the space to facilitate this growth.
Description
Landscape Use
- The trailing, arching stems that root where they touch the soil make these evergreen plants useful as groundcovers, for erosion control on banks, or for cascading from window boxes or planters. Periwinkle grows well under trees and shrubs, on shaded slopes or on the north side of buildings. Spring-flowering bulbs interplanted with periwinkle will lend color and interest to the groundcove…
Cultivation
- Periwinkle prefers shade but will grow well in full sun. The foliage color is richer green in partial shade, but more flowers are produced in the sun. Rooted cuttings or established plants are normally spaced from 12 to 18 inches apart. At a 6-inch spacing periwinkle will completely cover an area in one year. Plant whenever the soil is workable and provide sufficient water, especially …
Cultivars of Periwinkle
- ‘Alba’ has white flowers.
- ‘Atropurpurea’ has purple flowers.
- ‘Bowles Variety’ has blue flowers and grows vigorously in clumps.
- ‘Variegata’ has blue flowers and leaves variegated with rich yellow.
Cultivars of Large Periwinkle
- ‘Alba’ has white flowers.
- ‘Pubescens’ bears more pubescent leaves than the species and red-purple flowers with narrow petals.
- ‘Reticulata’ has foliage netted with yellow lines.
- ‘Variegata’ has creamy white blotches on the leaves. Flowers are blue and plants are someti…
- ‘Alba’ has white flowers.
- ‘Pubescens’ bears more pubescent leaves than the species and red-purple flowers with narrow petals.
- ‘Reticulata’ has foliage netted with yellow lines.
- ‘Variegata’ has creamy white blotches on the leaves. Flowers are blue and plants are sometimes known as ‘Elegantissima.’
Problems
- Periwinkle is susceptible to dieback (plants wilt and “die back” to the ground), caused by fungal diseases. Cankers, which are sunken, wound-like lesions, may be visible on the stem near the ground-line. Fungal leaf spots occasionally occur and look like brown circular-to-oval spots on the leaves. Infected leaves should be sheared off and discarded. To reduce fungal infection, avoid o…