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Vinca

The varigated periwinkle, native to Europe, is a tender evergreen perennial vine that is treated as an annual except in Zones 9-10 because it flowers the first year and has poor tolerance of frost. Madagascar periwinkles, native to tropical areas, are a bushier species. Varigated periwinkles are often planted in window boxes and terrace pots, where they trail attractively over the edge of the container. In Zones 9-10, the plant makes an excellent ground cover. Madagascar periwinkles are valued for the summer and fall color they provide everywhere, but are especially welcome in desert regions of the West. Periwinkles thrive in almost any soil and prefer some shade, although they will grow in sunny sites provided they are well watered.      Start Madagascar periwinkle seeds indoors three or four months before the last frost is due, or buy started plants. Set the seedlings in the garden 8 to 10 inches apart when all danger of frost is passed. The varigated periwinkle must be started from cuttings rather than seeds. These will root at any season, but usually they are taken during winter months so that good-sized plants will be available to set out when night temperatures remain about 50 degrees.

	Varigated Periwinkle, has trailing stems that root as they spread, and carry dark green 1 to 3 inch leaves. The plants put forth 1 to 2 inch lavendar-blue flowers with five flat, round-edged petals.
	Madagascar Periwinkle, grows 10 to 18 inches tall with glossy leaves and 1 to 2 inch flowers; these blossom in shades and combinations of rose, pink, and white, often with pink centers.

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Site launched January 1, 2000. Site updated September 1, 2007.

[CyberSalad] [Garden Pursuits] [Garden Quotes] [Garden Journal] [The Language of Flowers] [Monthly Chores] [Garden Poetry] [Zone Maps] [First/Last Frost Dates] [Trees] [Ground Covers] [Fruit/Berries] [Water Garden] [Gardening Links] [Vegetables] [Lawn] [Raised Beds] [Bulbs, etc.] [Shrubs] [Perennials] [Annuals] [Herbs]