Is Periwinkle the same as Myrtle?
Myrtle is a synonym of periwinkle. As nouns the difference between myrtle and periwinkle is that myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus myrtus , native to southern europe and north africa while periwinkle is any of several evergreen plants of the genus vinca with blue or white flowers or periwinkle can be a mollusk of genus (taxlink). As a adjective periwinkle is
Is a periwinkle a carnivore?
of carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore dinosaurs. Create 1–2 food chains that may have existed 65 million years ago. ... periwinkle a shellfish that eats seaweed
Is Periwinkle a poisonous plant?
The Periwinkle plant is toxic in all of its forms. This group of plants has a diverse spectrum of naturally occurring poisonous alkaloids that, when consumed, induce gastrointestinal sickness. Why is Periwinkle called flower of death? Periwinkle is toxic in all of its forms.
Do periwinkles need sun?
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.
Do periwinkles come back every year?
While both plants are separate species within the genus, they have a lot in common. Periwinkles spread rapidly, providing excellent groundcover and erosion prevention. Prolific reseeding habit guarantees the plant's return in spring, even in bitter climates that kill it back completely.
How do I know if my vinca is annual or perennial?
Annual vincas come in many colors. Two plants are known by the common name vinca. The name is just about the only thing the plants have in common: One is a perennial ground cover for shade and the other is a mounding annual for sun. Despite the confusing name, it's not hard to tell the two plants apart.
Is vinca and periwinkle the same thing?
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).
Which vinca are perennials?
How to Grow and Care For Annual Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)Common NamesAnnual vinca, Madagascar periwinkle, rosy periwinkleBotanical NameCatharanthus roseusFamilyApocynaceaePlant TypeHerbaceous perennial, usually grown as an annualMature Size6-18 in. tall, similar spread8 more rows•Aug 31, 2021
Do vincas come back year after year?
Vinca is grown as an annual. It will often return in following summers from self-sown seed.
Will vinca come back after winter?
Vinca can tolerate some freezing temperatures, so early spring is just about the right time to open it up and let it breathe. Cut back the vines at this time if they look scraggly or overgrown. Pruning vinca will reinvigorate it, and it will come back with renewed energy.
Why is periwinkle called flower of death?
Periwinkle | bcnwp. 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.
Why is periwinkle invasive?
The leaves are glossy and the purple flowers are a delight. Here's the problem: This invasive plant can easily spread outside of our gardens. It invades natural spaces, gets established and pushes out the native plants. It offers nothing to insects, birds and other animals.
Does periwinkle like sun or shade?
They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. Check out the top 15 easy flowers anyone can grow.
How long will vincas last?
Normally, the vinca minor plant lasts only one year, however, that depends on where the periwinkle plant is growing. In northern climates, this ornamental plant would be considered an annual that usually last for only one year. However, in warmer climates, it can grow as a perennial.
What grows well with periwinkle?
They have great variation from dark green to light, depending on how the sunlight is hitting them, and they look especially good with other evergreens, ferns and hostas. There are many varieties of Vinca minor that will vary in height, leaf size and color, and flower color and size.
How do you tell the difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor?
Vinca minor has slick, dark-green leaves and blue blossoms; Vinca major has soft green leaves and yellowish-white flowers. Both are used as vining ground covers and work well in containers, window boxes and hanging baskets. All Vinca flowers are single, and most varieties have overlapping petals.
How do you take care of vincas in the winter?
0:274:26Vinca Plant Care in Winter - The Small Story. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the other hand the lack of sunlight also causes yellowing of leaves. And a stunted growth. SoMoreOn the other hand the lack of sunlight also causes yellowing of leaves. And a stunted growth. So must give full day sunlight exposure to your vinca.
Are all vinca vines perennials?
Vinca vine is a perennial. Those pretty variegated leaves last all year long, and their flowers reappear every year. It's a reliable source of green garden color and adds year-round green as a houseplant too.
Are there different types of vinca?
MyrtleGreater periwinkleVinca herbaceaVinca difformisPeriwinkle/Lower classifications
How long will vincas last?
Normally, the vinca minor plant lasts only one year, however, that depends on where the periwinkle plant is growing. In northern climates, this ornamental plant would be considered an annual that usually last for only one year. However, in warmer climates, it can grow as a perennial.
What is a periwinkle?
Minor or Major. Most commonly, the periwinkle you will find in a garden center is Vinca minor. This is the hardier and smaller plant of the two main species—minor in Latin simply means smaller. The other species commonly found is Vinca major. As you may guess, major means bigger.
Is Vinca major a perennial or annual?
However, Vinca major is less hardy and is therefore less often seen, especially in northern climates, or it is treated as an annual.
Is periwinkle invasive?
In some places, that can be a problem. In more harsh northern climates, periwinkle is not quite invasive, but in places like California with mild climates, these plants can quickly take over a garden.
Can periwinkle be cut back?
However, it also means these plants can spread indefinitely. As long as you catch them early, they are easy enough to pull up as they spread, and they certainly don't mind a good haircut every now and then. Cutting the plants back also encourages new growth, which is much brighter and shinier than the old leaves and is a nice spot of color in dark areas. Periwinkle works well as a rock garden plant, too!
Can periwinkles be planted in shady areas?
Leave no ground uncovered with the mighty periwinkle! This vigorous trailing plant can easily tackle any tricky shady situation and happily cover your planting space. With its glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful blue star-like flowers, it can really brighten up a shady corner in your garden.
What is a periwinkle called?
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 ).
When do periwinkles bloom?
They exude a milky juice when broken. Flowers are purple, blue or white depending on the cultivar. Plants bloom in March or April and sometimes again in the fall. Vinca minor grows about 6 inches tall, spreading in all directions by sending out long trailing and rooting shoots, which make new plants.
How tall does a periwinkle vine grow?
Vinca minor grows about 6 inches tall, spreading in all directions by sending out long trailing and rooting shoots, which make new plants. Vinca major or large periwinkle is a larger, more aggressive species than V. minor. Leaves are up to 3 inches long. The blue, funnel-shaped flowers are 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
What are the different types of periwinkles?
Cultivars of Large Periwinkle 1 ‘Alba’ has white flowers. 2 ‘Pubescens’ bears more pubescent leaves than the species and red-purple flowers with narrow petals. 3 ‘Reticulata’ has foliage netted with yellow lines. 4 ‘Variegata’ has creamy white blotches on the leaves. Flowers are blue and plants are sometimes known as ‘Elegantissima.’
How big do periwinkles get?
They are borne in abundance in early spring and sporadically throughout the summer. Large periwinkle spreads rapidly and will mound up to 2 feet. Non-flowering stems root at the tips where they touch the ground.
Why do periwinkles die?
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 overhead irrigation. Chemical control is seldom necessary.
Do periwinkles need mulch?
Weeding and mulching are required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area. Periwinkle prefers moist, well-drained soil, abundantly supplied with organic matter, but it is tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions.
How tall does a Periwinkle grow?
Common periwinkle grows 3-6 inches tall and spreads over 2 feet. It has smooth wiry stems and lilac-blue flowers. Common periwinkle, like annual vinca, is easy to grow. It grows best in well-drained organic soils with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Vinca minor flowers best in full sun.
What is the color of annual vinca?
Annual vinca produces 1- to 2-inch-diameter flowers above glossy, dark green foliage. Until recent years, the range of flower colors was somewhat limited. Flowers varied from pink to white, often with dark rose or red eyes. Over the past few years, seed companies have developed a large number of new varieties.
What is the best annual plant for a sunny garden?
When selecting flowering annuals this spring, don't forget annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus). Annual vinca, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is the perfect plant for sunny garden areas. In addition to being a wonderful plant for beds and borders, annual vinca can also be grown in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
When does vinca bloom?
It blooms from spring until a killing frost in the fall. The removal of faded flowers or deadheading is not necessary. While root and stem rots may occur, these problems can usually be avoided by planting in warm, well-drained soils. Cultivars and series of annual vinca include: 'Apricot Delight'.
How big do rounded flowers grow?
blooms early, large rounded flowers, grows to 15 inches. (Varieties within a series possess uniform characteristics, such as height, spread, and flowering habit. The only characteristic which varies within a series is flower color.)
Is annual vinca hard to grow?
Annual vinca is easy to grow. It performs best in well-drained soils in sites that receive partial to full sun. Annual vinca possesses excellent heat and drought tolerance, blooming continuously through the intense heat of mid-summer.
Is a periwinkle a perennial?
Annual vinca should not be confused with perennial periwinkle ( Vinca minor ), which is also known as common periwinkle, myrtle, and running myrtle. This species is a viney broadleaf evergreen and is commonly used as a groundcover in partial shade. Common periwinkle grows 3-6 inches tall and spreads over 2 feet. It has smooth wiry stems and lilac-blue flowers.
How big does a periwinkle get?
Advertisement. Periwinkle's big cousin (Vinca major) is known as bigleaf or greater periwinkle. It grows up to 12 inches high , with larger leaves and flowers, and while it also spreads, it makes a more mounding or undulating ground cover than V. minor.
What is the color of periwinkle?
Periwinkle has a big flush of blue, purple or white flowers in spring, followed by sporadic flowering throughout the rest of the season. Both white-and-green and yellow-and-green variegated cultivars are available. Vinca minor is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zone 4. Advertisement.
How much sun do vincas need?
Grow annual vincas in full sun or very light shade, as they will not flower well without at least six hours of direct sunlight. Space the plants 8 to 10 inches apart and feed them lightly when you first install them.
What is a vinca?
Annual vincas (Catharanthus roseus) are heat-loving, annual bedding plants for full sun. There are many different types or "series" of vinca available, in heights from 6 to 18 inches. Most annual vincas are white or shades of pink or lilac; there are no true blue or yellow varieties available.
Where is Bigleaf Periwinkle most commonly found?
Bigleaf periwinkle is most commonly seen in the South, as it's hardy only to zone 6, where it may suffer die-back during harsh winters. The variegated forms of bigleaf periwinkle are also sold in individual pots as trailing plants for large, mixed container gardens.
Is vinca a perennial or annual?
Annual vincas come in many colors. Two plants are known by the common name vinca. The name is just about the only thing the plants have in common: One is a perennial ground cover for shade and the other is a mounding annual for sun. Despite the confusing name, it's not hard ...
What is a periwinkle plant?
Periwinkle is often also called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. Periwinkle is most often grown as a ground cover. The periwinkle plant takes its common name from the attractive blooms that dot the foliage in April to May, appearing in the color of periwinkle blue.
How tall is a periwinkle?
Growing periwinkle as a ground cover is common, as it rarely reaches more than 4 inches (10 cm .) in height. Periwinkle is best used for controlling erosion as described above. Do not plant near other specimens in the flower bed or garden, as it may overtake and choke out valuable plantings.
How far can a Periwinkle plant spread?
In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area. One small plant can spread to 8 feet (2.4 m.) across.
What plants are not suitable for Vinca?
Alternative plants, should this one not be suitable in your location, include ajuga, wintercreeper, creeping juniper, and partridgeberry.
Can periwinkle be used as a climber?
This plant may be used as a climber on a non-living support and is useful for blocking views when used in this way. Before planting periwinkle, make sure it is what you want in the area, as it is difficult to remove once established. Periwinkle appears low on the exotic invasive list, but can escape cultivation in the garden.
Is periwinkle evergreen?
This broad-leaf evergreen plant grows easily and periwinkle care most often involves keeping the prolific spreader in check. Periwinkle, once established, is drought resistant and needs little other care if properly sited in the landscape.
What is a periwinkle?
Tough, low-maintenance, and pest-free, Vinca minor (commonly known as periwinkle) has pretty broadleaf foliage and flowers. It is also useful for providing ground cover and is known for its creeping habit. Periwinkle vines most commonly put out a blue flower in spring, but the color can also be lavender, purple, or white. They may bloom occasionally in summer, too, though the summer display will not be nearly as magnificent as the spring display. It has a medium growth rate and is typically planted in early spring; however, the hardy plant will tolerate being planted in the fall. Periwinkle is toxic to pets. 1
How long do periwinkle vines grow?
Periwinkle vines stay short, sprawling out over the ground. They typically stand only 3 to 6 inches off the ground, but their trailing stems can reach 18 inches in length. The stems of these plants root at their joints as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to become a pretty flowering ground cover able to fill in a large area and keep weeds down.
How to propagate vinca minor?
You can also do a stem cutting, but that takes a little more work since you have to get the stem to root. Your best bet is to use divisions or nursery transplants. Dividing established plants is the quickest way to propagate.
Why are vines drought tolerant?
Drought-tolerant ground covers such as Vinca minor vines have a greater chance of surviving than thirstier plants would. Because of their ability to root and spread, they can help hold the soil in place. This can be important on the side of a hill, where soil erosion might be a problem.
What pests do periwinkles attract?
Periwinkle will attract all the typical indoor and outdoor pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control any infestations.
How tall does a lilac plant grow?
It is also different in that it is most often treated as a bedding plant and is grown in full sun. The species plant grows 6 to 18 inches tall (with a similar width), but North Americans more typically grow dwarf versions. Flower colors can be hot pink, lavender, lilac, pink, red, or white. Article Sources.
Does Vinca minor need fertilizer?
Fertilizing your Vinca minor regularly (every month) with an evenly balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) may be helpful if your soil lacks sufficiently rich organic matter, but it is not necessary since Vinca minor does well in poor soil too.
What is the best color for a vinca periwinkle?
Glossy, dark green foliage enhances the beauty of these upright annual plants. This type of vinca likes full-sun locations and is commonly used in container gardens. Vinca periwinkle grows up to 12 inches in height and generates lovely, long-lasting flowers in a wide range of colors.
How to keep periwinkle from yellowing?
Wait until soil and air temperatures warm, to limit yellowing of leaves and keep the plant strong. Vinca minor develops yellowed leaves if placed in full-sun locations. Both plants experience yellowing of leaves if planted in overly wet soil. Both vinca minor and annual periwinkle prefer organically rich soil.
What is a vinca carpet?
Vinca minor is a particularly popular, low-growing vine that serves as a ground cover. Annual periwinkle, on the other hand, is an upright flowering plant for use as bedding ...
How tall is Vinca Minor?
Mature plant height reaches about 6 inches and produces beautiful purplish-blue flowers in early spring.
Is Vinca minor low maintenance?
Vinca minor offers the gardener a hardy option for a ground cover under trees or in difficult planting situations. Annual periwinkle provides a low-maintenance option for a wide range of garden uses. Use annual periwinkle as border plants, in hanging baskets or in window boxes. Annual vinca is an extremely low-maintenance plant ...
Does annual vinca need deadheading?
Annual vinca is an extremely low-maintenance plant that doesn't even require deadheading to remove spent blooms .
Is Vinca minor a perennial?
Vinca minor prefers full to partial shade and grows as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. Vinca minor doesn't produce another round of blooms after early spring and is mainly prized for its foliage. The vinca group of plants provides a wide variety of options to suit a range of garden needs across the U.S.
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…