Vinca

New Zealand’s Best Vinca Plants

Adding colourful climbers to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the right variety of Periwinkles for your space in our large range of plants. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Vinca plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Vinca

1. Why is vinca called flower of death?

Vinca is called the "flower of death" for two main reasons:

1. Toxicity: All parts of the vinca plant are poisonous, and ingestion can cause serious illness or even death. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and seizures. In severe cases, vinca poisoning can lead to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
2. Cultural associations: In some cultures, vinca is associated with death and mourning. For example, in Italy, vinca is traditionally used to decorate graves and cemeteries. This association may be due to the plant's poisonous nature, as well as its dark green leaves and purple flowers, which are often seen as symbols of mourning.

Despite its name and associations with death, vinca is also a popular ornamental plant. It is valued for its attractive flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white. Vinca is also a relatively easy-to-care-for plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners.

2. When should vinca be planted?

Vinca is a hardy perennial that can be planted in New Zealand year-round. However, the best time to plant vinca is in the spring or autumn when the soil is cool and moist. This will give the plant a chance to establish itself before the hot, dry summer months arrive.

3. Do vincas grow back every year?

Whether or not vincas grow back every year depends on the species and the climate.

• Perennial vincas such as Vinca minor and Vinca major are hardy plants that will grow back every year in most climates. They are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and they are typically planted as groundcovers.
• Annual vincas such as Catharanthus roseus are tender plants that will only grow back every year in warm climates. They are native to Madagascar, and they are typically planted as bedding plants.

4. What is the difference between Vinca minor and Vinca major?

Both Vinca minor and Vinca major are flowering plants that belong to the Apocynaceae family. They are both native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and they are both popular groundcovers. However, there are a few key differences between the two plants.

Size:

• Vinca minor is a smaller plant than Vinca major. Vinca minor typically grows to be 15 to 30 cm tall, while Vinca major can grow to be 30 to 45 cm tall.

Leaves:

• The leaves of Vinca minor are smaller and more narrow than the leaves of Vinca major. The leaves of Vinca minor are also more glossy and have a darker green colour.

Flowers:

• The flowers of Vinca minor are smaller and more delicate than the flowers of Vinca major. The flowers of Vinca minor are also a lighter shade of blue or purple.

Growth habit:

• Vinca minor is a more vigorous grower than Vinca major. Vinca minor will spread quickly and can be difficult to control.

Hardiness:

• Vinca major is slightly less hardy than Vinca minor. Vinca major can tolerate some frost, but it may die back in colder climates.

5. Are vincas better than impatiens?

Both vincas and impatiens are popular flowering plants that are easy to care for and make good choices for both beginners and experienced gardeners. However, there are some key differences between the two plants that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

Vinca

• Pros:
• Vincas are low-maintenance plants that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
• They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
• Vincas are hardy in zones 4-9.
• Vincas are perennials, which means they will come back year after year.
• Cons:
• Vincas can be slow to grow.
• They may not flower as heavily in colder climates.

Impatiens

• Pros:
• Impatiens are fast-growing plants that bloom profusely for most of the year.
• They are also relatively tolerant of shade.
• Impatiens are hardy in zones 9-11.
• Cons:
• Impatiens are not as drought-tolerant as vincas.
• They are also more susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Impatiens are annuals, which means they will only live for one year.

So, which is better: vincas or impatiens? The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that is hardy in your climate, vincas are a good option. If you are looking for a fast-growing plant that blooms profusely, impatiens are a good option.

6. Do vincas spread?

Yes, vincas do spread. They are easy to grow and can spread quickly, making them a popular choice for groundcover. Vincas can spread in two ways:

• By rooting at the nodes: Vinca stems have nodes, which are points where leaves grow. When a vinca stem touches the ground, it can root at the nodes. This allows the plant to spread new growth in all directions.
• By sending out runners: Vincas can also send out runners, which are long, thin stems that grow along the ground. Runners can root at their tips, creating new plants.

Vincas are not aggressive spreaders, so they will not take over your garden. However, they can spread quickly if they are not controlled.

7. What are some fun facts about vincas?

Here are some fun facts about vincas:

1. Vincas are a diverse group of plants. There are over 50 species of Vinca, and they come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
2. Vincas have a long history of use in medicine. The leaves and roots of vincas have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
3. Vincas are a popular choice for groundcover. Vincas are easy to care for and can spread quickly, making them a good choice for covering large areas of ground.
4. Vincas are attractive to pollinators. Vincas produce nectar and pollen that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
5. Vincas are low-maintenance plants. Vincas are drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
6. Vincas are hardy in zones 4-9. This means that they can survive the winter in most parts of North America.
7. Vincas are perennials. This means that they will come back year after year.
8. Vincas are non-toxic to pets. Vincas are not poisonous to dogs, cats, or other pets.
9. Vincas are a symbol of immortality. In some cultures, vincas are associated with immortality. This is because they are evergreen and can survive the winter.
10. Vincas are a popular choice for weddings. Vincas are often used in wedding bouquets and decorations.