The vinca (Vinca minor), known as common periwinkle, is a perennial groundcover that produces blooms in a variety of colors. Varieties of periwinkle are known for their evergreen foliage that stays green and lush all year, with beautiful small flowers the emerge in spring.
Also question is, can Vinca survive winter?
Vinca plants need winter protection only during extreme rare winter temperatures. Healthy plants can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but lower temperatures can be fatal. Move vincas in containers indoors if temperatures are set to drop.
Secondly, which vinca are perennials? Perennial Vinca There are two main species grown: Vinca major and V. minor. Perennial vinca varieties have pinwheel-shaped springtime flowers in shades of lavender, purple, and white. Many offer outstanding variegated foliage that provides year-round interest (or nearly year-round in especially cold-winter areas).
Similarly, do periwinkles come back?
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.
Is periwinkle ground cover a perennial?
Vinca, Perennial Plant Features Vinca, sometimes also called periwinkle, is a tough evergreen ground cover with shiny, leathery leaves that look good all year long.
14 Related Question Answers Found
Does periwinkle stay green in winter?
If your plant is C. major, or any variety with the botanical name Vinca, green leaves will remain on the plant year-round. Both types are members of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, but they thrive in quite different conditions. Catharanthus prefers a sunny, hot environment and blooms all summer until frost.
Will Vinca come back every year?
Evergreen leaves, trailing vines and purple-blue flowers make them appealing plants in every season, and because they are perennials, gardeners don’t need to replant them from year to year. There is also an annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus, zones 10 – 11), which is not a vine and must usually be replanted each year.
Do vinca flowers come back every year?
While vinca grows as an annual in most of the United States, it’s a perennial in the plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. When growing in this region, confine your vinca to a pot or plant it in an area where you won’t mind it coming back.
Do vincas reseed themselves?
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. You can also start them indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost in your area.
How long do Vinca plants last?
And lisianthus is one of the best cut flowers—it will last in the vase for 2 to 3 weeks. Lisianthus can be challenging to grow. They’re extremely tricky to grow from seed, so start with established seedlings. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed.
What do you do with vincas in the winter?
As winter approaches, winterize vinca plants growing in the soil by covering the foliage with a thick layer of mulch. The mulch will prevent harsh winter winds from drying out these perennial plants. Allow the vinca to continue to grow unprotected throughout the autumn months until late autumn.
Should you cut back vinca?
Prune creeping vinca in the winter or very early spring for the best results. Avoid pruning vinca minor during May and June while it’s in bloom to keep from losing the colorful blossoms before they die a natural death. A straggly appearance indicates that it’s time to prune vinca minor and restore it to a bushy state.
Can Vinca live indoors?
The plant grows as an outdoor annual in most climates, or you can keep it indoors as a houseplant in winter or year-round. Growing vinca indoors successfully requires supplying the plants with similar conditions to those they require for lush outdoor growth.
Will periwinkle take over grass?
Growing Conditions Once established, the vines’ broad leaves shade blades of lawn grasses, especially those kept under 2 inches tall, as they form colonies across lawns. By shading and competing successfully for moisture, periwinkle strangles less drought- and shade-tolerant grasses.
Are periwinkles poisonous?
Periwinkle. Periwinkle (Vinca major and Vinca minor) is a mildly poisonous plant. Medicinal use: Vinca contains a group of alkaloids including vinchristine and vinblastine, both of which are used in chemotherapy.
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. If rains or overwatering continues, the fungus can spread to the base of the plant and it can die.
Can you walk on Periwinkle?
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) [VIN-kah MY-nor] It is tolerant of sun, but prefers partial shade and can turn yellowish when exposed to the hottest summer sun. It’s durable — you can walk on it. Vinca are somewhat invasive — spreading into adjacent lawns or garden areas and beyond — and can be challenging to eradicate.
How often should I water Periwinkle?
Water every other week, or if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Vinca is very drought tolerant and prefers its soil to be on the dry side of moist. Do not wait too long to water, though.
How do you look after Periwinkle?
Periwinkle plants are easy to grow and care for. Provide them a well-drained moist soil, plenty of bright light, warm temperatures 65° F and above and they will do wonderfully out on the patio or deck as potted plants.