Morning Glory vs Periwinkle: The Ultimate Showdown of Garden Favorites
What To Know
- They boast a wide range of colors, from delicate pastels to vibrant hues, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden.
- Morning glories produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
- Flowering Period Short-lived, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon Continuous throughout the growing season .
The world of gardening is filled with a vibrant tapestry of flowers, each with its unique charm and appeal. Among the many climbers that grace our gardens, morning glories and periwinkles stand out for their captivating beauty and ease of growth. However, while both these plants share a common love for climbing and producing vibrant blooms, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of morning glory vs periwinkle, exploring their differences in appearance, growth habits, and care requirements.
The Enchanting Morning Glory
Morning glories, scientifically known as *Ipomoea*, are a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. These captivating vines are renowned for their trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning, hence their name. They boast a wide range of colors, from delicate pastels to vibrant hues, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden.
Distinctive Features of Morning Glories:
- Flowers: Morning glories produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They come in a vast array of colors, including blue, purple, pink, white, and red.
- Leaves: Their leaves are heart-shaped or lobed, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms.
- Growth Habit: Morning glories are fast-growing vines that can reach heights of 10 feet or more. They are known for their vigorous growth and ability to quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures.
- Sunlight: Morning glories thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: They prefer well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
The Graceful Periwinkle
Periwinkles, belonging to the genus *Vinca*, are another popular choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant and easy-to-grow climber. These evergreen vines are known for their delicate, five-petaled flowers that bloom continuously throughout the growing season. They offer a delightful contrast to the bolder blooms of morning glories.
Distinctive Features of Periwinkles:
- Flowers: Periwinkle flowers are smaller than those of morning glories, with a delicate, five-petaled structure. They come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
- Leaves: Periwinkle leaves are glossy, evergreen, and oval-shaped.
- Growth Habit: Periwinkles are less vigorous than morning glories, growing to heights of 2-3 feet. They are often used as groundcovers or to cascade over walls and containers.
- Sunlight: Periwinkles tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making them adaptable to various garden conditions.
- Soil: They prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Morning Glory vs Periwinkle: A Comparative Analysis
While both morning glories and periwinkles offer enchanting beauty, their distinct characteristics make them suitable for different garden purposes. Here’s a comparative analysis to help you choose the right plant for your needs:
| Feature | Morning Glory | Periwinkle |
| — | — | — |
| Flower Size | Large, trumpet-shaped | Small, five-petaled |
| Flower Color | Wide range, including blue, purple, pink, white, and red | Blue, purple, pink, and white |
| Flowering Period | Short-lived, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon | Continuous throughout the growing season |
| Growth Habit | Vigorous, fast-growing vines | Less vigorous, growing to a moderate height |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preferences | Well-drained, neutral pH | Well-drained, slightly acidic pH |
| Maintenance | Requires frequent watering and fertilizing | Relatively low maintenance |
The Pros and Cons of Each Plant
Morning Glories:
Pros:
- Stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors.
- Fast-growing, providing quick coverage for fences, trellises, and other structures.
- Relatively easy to grow.
Cons:
- Flowers are short-lived, only lasting for a day.
- Can become invasive if not controlled.
- Some species are poisonous to pets.
Periwinkles:
Pros:
- Delicate, continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
- Evergreen foliage, providing year-round interest.
- Relatively low maintenance.
Cons:
- Flowers are smaller than those of morning glories.
- Growth is less vigorous than morning glories.
- Some species can become invasive in warm climates.
Choosing the Right Vine for Your Garden
The choice between morning glory and periwinkle ultimately depends on your individual preferences and garden conditions. If you’re looking for a fast-growing vine with large, showy flowers, morning glory is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more delicate, continuous blooming vine that requires less maintenance, periwinkle might be a better option.
Beyond the Blooms: Other Considerations
While the beauty of their flowers is a primary attraction, both morning glories and periwinkles offer additional benefits. Morning glories attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your garden. Periwinkles, with their evergreen foliage, provide year-round interest and can be used as groundcovers or to cascade over walls and containers.
A Final Thought: Embracing the Beauty of Both
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy the beauty of both morning glories and periwinkles is to embrace their unique qualities and incorporate them into your garden design. Whether you choose to create a vibrant display of morning glory flowers or a delicate cascade of periwinkle blooms, both these vines will add a touch of elegance and charm to your outdoor space.
Questions You May Have
1. Are morning glories invasive?
Yes, some species of morning glories can be invasive, spreading quickly and crowding out other plants. It’s crucial to choose non-invasive varieties and monitor their growth to prevent them from becoming a nuisance.
2. Can periwinkles be grown indoors?
Yes, periwinkles can be grown indoors in pots or hanging baskets. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
3. What are the best companion plants for morning glories?
Morning glories pair well with other sun-loving plants like sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos. They can also be grown with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
4. Are periwinkles poisonous to pets?
Periwinkles are generally considered non-toxic to pets, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of reach of curious animals.
5. How do I propagate morning glories and periwinkles?
Both plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Morning glory seeds should be sown directly in the ground, while periwinkle cuttings can be rooted in water or soil.