Difference Between Vinca Flower & Vinca Vine

Vinca rosea, Vinca major and Vinca minor are all members of the dogbane (Apocynaceae) family, which they share with the Mandevilla vine. The similarity in names causes some confusion for gardeners, especially since there is also some similarity in the appearance of the three. Distinguishing between them becomes easier when you learn that one is a perennial ground cover, another is an annual vine, and the third is a summer-flowering plant grown as an annual.

Also called vinca vine, Vinca major is an annual vine used in container plantings. Some varieties have variegated leaves in combinations of white and green. Vinca major prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. If the season is long enough for the plants to grow to maturity, flowers will appear. The vine will sometimes take root in the ground and overwinter, spreading when the weather warms again by sending out rooting stems.

Vinca minor is a shade-loving perennial ground cover that displays blue flowers in the spring. Propagation is done by cuttings. Vinca minor also goes by the names of common periwinkle, creeping myrtle or just myrtle. It likes well-drained soil and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. The plants grow to between 3 and 6 inches tall with a spread of 2 feet. Blue flowers appear in April and May. V. minor is tolerant of most soils and can help control erosion on slopes once it fills the space.

The flower now known as Catharanthus roseus was initially dubbed Vinca rosea due to its superficial resemblance to Vinca major and minor. It is an annual flowering plant that is drought tolerant, nearly maintenance-free, and equally at home in the garden or in containers. Do not plant C. roseus until the soil is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. C. roseus blooms dependably from spring to fall and thrives in heat and sun. If it becomes too dry, the plant will let you know by curling its leaves under. The flowers are single, but modern varieties have overlapping petals in pink, rose, red, burgundy and many more shades. Depending on the cultivar, Catharanthus roseus can grow to a height of 8 to 18 inches tall. The vinca flower is sometimes referred to as Madascar periwinkle.

Herbalists have long used vinca for sore throats, diabetes, and eye and lung infections. Researchers have now proven that folk wisdom was at least partially correct. Catharanthus roseus contains compounds that are useful medicinally, including some that lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and others that have been used as the basis for the anticancer drug Vincristine.