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Vinca flowers, also known as Periwinkle, are ornamental plants that are native to Spain, South of France, Europe, China, and Turkey. It is known by its three names: Periwinkle (or Madagascar Periwinkle), Vinca, and Myrtle.
Vinca flowers are tolerant of heat and drought, a perfect plant during summer. It can thrive on its own, and does not need constant attention. It has glossy, leathery green leaves, with violet, pink, and even white flowers. The flowers bloom during early spring and continue until autumn; in addition, it is used frequently as groundcover, edging, borders, and even for bedding plants. These evergreen plants may grow as long as two feet, thus, it can be cultivated in containers and hanging baskets.
Vinca flowers are not only ornamental; it has medicinal uses as well. For years, it was used to lower sugar levels in diabetics, as treatment for eye and lung infections, lower blood pressure, and as treatment for colds, sore throats and coughs.
These prolific plants grown from seeds can reseed themselves and spread across an area. It is no surprise that these plants are termed as "self-seeders." Vinca or Periwinkle usually grow in any type of soil, and are very resistant to drought and heat. It is an ideal ornamental plant in dry areas, where if other flowers were planted, would have wilted and died. It only requires a reasonable amount of watering during extended dry periods. Once the seeds have been pressed into the soil, it should be covered lightly since it can only germinate under darkness. Cover it with a newspaper for ten to twenty-one days. It is not recommended to sow seeds of Vinca flowers directly into the soil.
There is current development in terms of Vinca seeds--the Cora series. These seeds are hardy and impervious to "sudden death" (also known as aerial Phytophthora). Death occurs to the plants when exposed to rainy and damp conditions. The Cora vinca flowers are bold, large and bright, with dark green, thick and glossy leaves. The difference between the Coras and the ordinary vincas is that the former can tolerate cool autumn temperatures, as well as the humidity, unlike the latter.
Vinca flowers not only tolerate heat and extreme drought, but they are also impervious to attacks from disease and insects. The few problems these plants experience are fungal infections which occur during humid or wet weather. It is also does not attract rabbits and deer, yet draws in butterflies.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
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