Know the differences between these three different species, and learn which is best for your garden and containers
When most of us believe about periwinkle , we either think of a vine or a ground cover . Here in the Southwest , it is highly vulgar to incur another adaptation of periwinkle that ’s completely unrelated . Below , I ’ll portion out some of the major differences between these works and how to grow them .
Major vs. minor
Greater Vinca rosea or large periwinkle ( Vinca John Roy Major , Zones 7–9 ) and lesser Madagascar periwinkle or common periwinkle ( V. minor , Zones 4–8 ) are both tad - bed reason covers that like dry , well - drained grease . While greater periwinkle is native to the Mediterranean , less periwinkle is native to key and Southern Europe . They are both low maintenance , pest loose , and quite hardy . In many area they both are considered quite invading . * That does n’t necessarily think of you should never utilize them . On the opposite , they might be perfect for your specific indigence . But be certain to keep an eye on the runners to ensure they are not creeping too far , too quickly . Both are evergreen , lusterlessness - forming perennial . They ’re most commonly used as ground covers , as trailing addition to containers , or sometimes as houseplant . An comfortable way to help you tell the divergence between the two periwinkles is through foliage anatomy . The leaves of greater red periwinkle incline to be prominent , broader , and sometimes heart - form . Lesser red periwinkle leaves are smaller and more stretch .
Madagascar periwinkle
To trade genera altogether , Madagascar periwinkle ( genus Catharanthus roseus , Zones 9–11 ) , also called Cape periwinkle or annual genus Vinca , is from Madagascar . At one prison term it was calledVinca rosea , but it was after decided that it should be classify differently from dead on target vincas . Madagascar periwinkle is a tropical perennial that is typically grown as an annual in many regions but may be hardy in some areas of the Southwest . The blossom resemble those of impatiens ( Impatiens wallerianacvs . , annual ) , but unlike impatiens , Madagascar winkle loves the Sunday . This plant is an absolute beauty and produces flowers from early summer to late twilight and beyond ! Especially in the desert where you least require to see such vibrant blooms , it really beguile your eye . Madagascar Vinca rosea is drought tolerant and requires very picayune maintenance as long as you give it well - drain soil . It get up to 18 in in high spirits and comes in a rainbow of colors . you could incur it in pink , red , white , purple , magenta , as well as multicolored . Be warn — if overwatered , this plant will acquire root bunk and pass .
Many gardener have been confuse by all three of these different plants referred to with one name . Although they all produce beautiful leafage and flowers , it ’s super important to understand which one you ’re imbed and if it ’s appropriate for your garden . If you are in dubiousness , hunt down a local garden centre pro . If that somebody is uncertain , do your own research . There ’s no pity in relying on the unspoiled - old internet to serve you through a gardening conundrum . Good luck , nurseryman !
- Check to see if keen periwinkle is invasive in your areahereand if lesser Catharanthus roseus is invasive in your areahere .
— Sheila Schultz and Laurel Startzel are a female parent - daughter twain who constitute Denver Dirty missy Container Gardening while living in Denver and have continued their occupation since move to Tucson , Arizona .
o.k. Gardening Recommended product
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receive a charge for detail purchase through links on this web site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs .
Get our latest tips , how - to articles , and instructional picture beam to your inbox .
contract you up …
Related Articles
Desert Rose for the Southwest
Enchanting Echeverias for the Southwest
Magnificent Mallows for the Southwest
Your Guide to Growing Lithops in the Southwest
Join all right Gardening for a free engaging live webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant diagnostician as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamental technical manager …
When I pick out a particular sand dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in problem . With a delightful color formula …
When we only prioritize plants we require over plant life our landscape painting needs , each time of year is filled with a never - terminate lean of task : pruning , pinching , lacrimation , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you go in the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to trip on something , but because you might be dive - fail by a pair …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access members get more
ratify up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional content , plus the rest of the member - only content library .
start up Free Trial
Get consummate site admittance to expert advice , regional subject , and more , plus the print magazine .
Start your loose trial
Already a member?access
Madagascar periwinkle, like this swath of ‘Pacific White’, is often used as an annual but may be hardy in southern Arizona and other areas in Zone 9 and above.Photo: Michelle Gervais
Greater periwinkle (left) has heart-shaped leaves, while lesser periwinkle (right) has long, thin leaves. However, it can be difficult to identify these plants based on leaf shape when presented with a cultivar with unique foliage.Photos: Laurel Startzel
This ‘Valiant Apricot’ Madagascar periwinkle makes a perfect container plant but has grown vigorously in its confines.Photo: Laurel Startzel
