Complete Gardening
Periwinkles, known for their vibrant hues and resilient growth, have long been a garden favorite. This year, I embarked on a journey to explore 15 different varieties in my front yard. While my initial plan was grand, I learned invaluable insights from seven standout performers. Each variety brought its unique charm and challenges, teaching me lessons in plant care, soil preferences, and aesthetic appeal. From drought resistance to bloom vitality, these periwinkles painted a colorful narrative across my landscape. Here’s my in-depth exploration of the seven varieties that truly left an impression.
1. Vinca Minor ‘Bowles’
Vinca Minor ‘Bowles’ stands as a testament to adaptability. With its delicate lavender flowers, this variety thrives even in partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Its robust nature allows it to flourish where others might falter.
The blooms appear like little stars scattered across a deep green canvas, offering visual delight. This plant not only beautifies but also serves as effective ground cover. Despite its beauty, it demands minimal attention, a blessing for busy gardeners. Surprisingly, its resilience doesn’t come at the cost of elegance.
Love for shade and low maintenance define this charming species.
2. Catharanthus Roseus ‘Mediterranean Lilac’
Catharanthus Roseus ‘Mediterranean Lilac’ adds a splash of color reminiscent of a sunlit Mediterranean coast. Its vibrant petals boast a luxurious lilac tone, creating a visual feast.
This variety thrives in full sun, making it perfect for sunny gardens. Its drought-resistant nature ensures it remains lush even during dry spells. Beyond its beauty, the plant exudes an aura of sunny optimism, brightening any space it inhabits.
Its resilience coupled with its stunning appearance makes it an ideal choice for those seeking low-effort, high-reward gardening. Truly, it embodies the spirit of Mediterranean vitality.
3. Vinca Major ‘Variegata’
Vinca Major ‘Variegata’ captivates with its striking variegated leaves, blending creamy white with lush green. Its foliage alone is enough to steal the spotlight in any garden.
While the leaves are the main attraction, its pale blue flowers add an extra touch of charm. This variety prefers slightly shaded areas, where it can spread its vibrant tapestry.
A vigorous grower, it quickly covers ground, proving invaluable as an erosion control solution. Its aesthetic appeal coupled with practical benefits make it a gardener’s delight.
Did you know? It can double as a decorative indoor plant when potted.
4. Vinca Minor ‘Atropurpurea’
Vinca Minor ‘Atropurpurea’ enchants with its deep purple blossoms, creating a mysterious allure. This variety thrives best in shaded garden corners, flourishing amid moist soil.
Its flowers provide a striking contrast against the dense green leaves, making it an eye-catching addition to any landscape. The plant’s ability to adapt to both clay and loamy soil is impressive.
Though it requires regular watering, the vivid blooms are worth the effort. Its unique purple hue is a rare find among periwinkle varieties, distinguishing it with elegance and grace.
5. Vinca Major ‘Wojo’s Gem’
Vinca Major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ commands attention with its glossy green leaves accented by golden yellow centers. This striking combination creates a visual masterpiece in any garden.
Its preference for partial to full shade makes it a versatile choice for varied lighting conditions. The plant’s vigorous growth ensures a lush carpet of greenery year-round.
While it doesn’t bloom as profusely as others, its foliage more than compensates. The contrast between its leaves and smaller blue flowers adds dimension and intrigue. For those seeking bold aesthetics, ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is an unparalleled choice.
6. Vinca Minor ‘Alba’
Vinca Minor ‘Alba’ brings a touch of purity and serenity with its pristine white flowers. This variety is a symbol of elegance, perfect for those who appreciate understated beauty.
The contrast between its white blossoms and dark green leaves creates a peaceful garden scene. Its ability to thrive in shaded areas makes it ideal for woodland gardens.
A slow grower, it offers steady ground cover, filling in spaces with grace. Despite its gentle appearance, it proves resilient against pests and diseases, ensuring a long-lasting presence in any garden.
7. Catharanthus Roseus ‘Pacifica Red’
Catharanthus Roseus ‘Pacifica Red’ bursts forth with fiery red blooms, demanding attention and admiration. This variety thrives in sunny spots, where it can soak up ample sunlight.
Its showy flowers add energy and vibrancy to any garden landscape. Known for its robust nature, it withstands heat and drought with ease, making it a low-maintenance marvel.
The plant’s scarlet blooms are a testament to nature’s boldness, ensuring it stands out among its peers. Its passionate color and resilience make it a favorite for those seeking an eye-catching garden centerpiece.
8. Vinca Minor ‘Illumination’
Vinca Minor ‘Illumination’ is a garden delight. Its vivid yellow and green leaves brighten any dull corner.
Easily spreading across the garden, it offers a tapestry of colors that dance in the sunlight. Its resilience makes it a perfect choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Despite its beauty, it requires careful placement to prevent overwhelming neighboring plants. Did you know? This variety is often used in hanging baskets for its cascading effect.
9. Vinca Major ‘Expoflora’
The robust Vinca Major ‘Expoflora’ is a showstopper with its large, glossy leaves and striking blue flowers.
Perfect for ground coverage, it’s a gardener’s ally against weeds. Its vigorous nature demands regular trimming to maintain its charm.
In spring, it unveils a blanket of blossoms that enchant every passerby. Originally from Europe, this variety has made a name for itself in gardens worldwide.
10. Catharanthus Roseus ‘Titan White’
Catharanthus Roseus ‘Titan White’ captivates with its pure white blooms, contrasting beautifully with dark green leaves.
Ideal for creating a serene garden ambiance, it thrives in sunny spots. This variety is drought-tolerant, making it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
Its blooms persist throughout the season, providing a constant source of attraction for butterflies. Originally hailing from Madagascar, it has adapted well to various environments.
11. Vinca Minor ‘Ralph Shugert’
Vinca Minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ draws attention with its dark green leaves, each elegantly edged in white.
This compact variety offers a refined touch to any garden setting. It’s perfect for borders and thrives in partial shade.
Once established, it requires little care, allowing it to flourish with minimal intervention. Its subtle elegance is a testament to nature’s artistry.
12. Catharanthus Roseus ‘Jaio Deep Apricot’
Catharanthus Roseus ‘Jaio Deep Apricot’ adds a splash of warmth with its stunning apricot flowers.
This variety is a favorite for garden enthusiasts looking to introduce a warm hue. It’s sun-loving and performs well in well-drained soils.
Not only visually appealing, but it also attracts pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. Its origin is traced back to tropical climates.
13. Vinca Major ‘Blue and Gold’
Vinca Major ‘Blue and Gold’ offers a striking combination with its blue flowers and gold-variegated leaves.
This variety thrives in shaded areas, providing a splash of color where others fade. Its vigorous growth needs occasional control to prevent it from overrunning the garden.
With its unique color palette, it adds a touch of uniqueness to any landscape setting, making it a gardener’s delight.
14. Catharanthus Roseus ‘Pretty in Pink’
The delicate Catharanthus Roseus ‘Pretty in Pink’ enchants with its soft pink flowers, adding grace to garden spaces.
Thriving in sunny locations, it’s a resilient variety that requires little attention. Its continuous blooms ensure a lively display throughout the growing season.
This variety is perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing plant. Originally from Madagascar, it has become a staple in gardens globally.
15. Vinca Minor ‘Sterling Silver’
Vinca Minor ‘Sterling Silver’ is known for its silver-edged leaves, offering a subtle glow in shaded garden areas.
This variety is ideal for those seeking to add texture and contrast to their garden design. It flourishes in partial shade, providing a lush ground cover.
While it’s robust, it harmonizes well with other plants, making it a versatile choice for diverse plantings. Its unique look is a conversation starter among garden visitors.