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
Does periwinkle 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.
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?
What Parts Of The Periwinkle Plant Are Poisonous? All parts of the Periwinkle are poisonous. These plants contain a wide range of naturally-occurring toxic alkaloids which cause poisoning when ingested. There are over 130 chemical compounds found in these plants, such as vincristine and vinblastine, which attach themselves to the microtubules of the cells and impairs their ability to divide.
Does periwinkle come back every year?
Is The Periwinkle Flower An Annual Or Perennial? 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.
Can periwinkle survive winter?
Vinca (Vinca minor) also called myrtle and common periwinkle, grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. In these climates, it generally survives the winter. It's grown as an annual in colder regions, although vinca might survive under snow.
Are periwinkles and vinca 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).
Are periwinkle plants annual?
Depending on the variety, fast-growing vinca is 6 to 18 inches tall with a similar spread....How to Grow and Care For Annual Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)Common NamesAnnual vinca, Madagascar periwinkle, rosy periwinklePlant TypeHerbaceous perennial, usually grown as an annualMature Size6-18 in. tall, similar spreadSun ExposureFull sun, part shadeSoil TypeSandy loam8 more rows•Aug 31, 2021
Do periwinkles reseed?
Vinca or Periwinkle are grown from seeds. Sow Vinca seeds outdoors after all danger of frost. Many people will broadcast spread them across an area. These prolific, self-seeders, will usually reseed themselves if left unattended.
Is periwinkle a good ground cover?
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.
Why is periwinkle called 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.
Is creeping myrtle the same as periwinkle?
Creeping Myrtle, Vinca minor, goes by many names; Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle or even Dwarf Myrtle. It is a glossy dark green evergreen ground cover with large, showy lavender-blue flowers that bloom from May to June.
Why do my periwinkles keep dying?
Vincas, or periwinkles, can be infected with a fungal disease called aerial phytophthora. The disease spreads when the fungal spores in the soil are splashed on the plants when you water or when it rains. Some varieties seem more prone to this common fungus than others.
How do you take care of an annual vinca?
Annual vinca is drought tolerant but does best if you water the plants whenever the top inch or so of the soil feels dry to the touch. Take care not to overwater this plant; it's easily susceptible to root rot. Keep potted vinca blooming well by fertilizing regularly with any general-purpose garden fertilizer.
How do you care for periwinkle ground cover?
Water to keep moist the first summer but avoid wet soil to prevent fungal diseases and root rot. After the first season, little care is necessary besides fertilizing lightly in spring and watering during extended droughts, although vinca grown in sun may require occasional watering.
How long will vincas last?
Flower colors range from intense pure red, pink, white and purple such as exhibited by the "Victory" series, to pastel pink, lilac and coral and also pure colors centered by a contrasting central eye. These all bloom from early summer to frost and are hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12.
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 ).
Where do periwinkles grow?
Periwinkle grows well under trees and shrubs, on shaded slopes or on the north side of buildings.
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.
When do oblong leaves 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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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 Vinca 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.
What color is a vine in spring?
Vinca minor vines most commonly put out a blue flower in spring, but the color can also be lavender, purple, or white.
How often should I fertilize my Vinca minor?
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.
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.
How far apart should I plant a Vinca minor vine?
Vinca minor vines require good drainage. Space them about a foot apart if you want to fill in an area quickly. Achieving vigorous growth is usually not difficult for these plants. Indeed, the very fact that they grow so well can sometimes be a problem.
Can Vinca minor grow in full sun?
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade .
Is Vinca minor a good ground cover?
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. In spite of all these benefits, there is one drawback: It has a tendency to overtake an area with its ability to naturalize.
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 ...
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…