How to care for Vinca difformis?

View of the flower of the Vinca difformis

Image – Wikimedia / Nanosanchez

The Vinca difformis It is an ideal plant for patios and terraces, and even to make the garden have a very special corner. In addition, it is an excellent floor covering, so if you have one that you want to give color to, do not miss the opportunity to get to know it thoroughly.

Now, you will discover not only what its characteristics are, but also its care so you can enjoy it as it touches .

Origin and characteristics

Open flower of the Vinca difformis

The Vinca difformisknown as maiden grass, alcandorea, or milkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean basin. In Spain we find it in Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Tarragona and in the Balearic archipelago. Grows to a height of 40-50cmwith somewhat woody stems at the base from which opposite leaves sprout, up to 8cm and green in color.

The flowers are blue, appear towards the ends of the stems, and are formed by a calyx with linear sepals and a corolla of five pieces that are welded into a tube at the base. The fruit is a measure up to 5cm in length. Blooms in winter and spring.

Properties

It has very interesting medicinal properties:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • calming
  • Antitoxic
  • Anti-tumor
  • Antidiabetics
  • Antilithiasic
  • Astringents
  • Tonic
  • Appetizers
  • Vasodilators
  • Painkillers

The leaves and roots are used, either as an infusion or as a poultice.

What are their cares?

View of the Vinca difformis

Image – Flickr / Douglas Sprott

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location: outside, in semi-shade.
  • Earth:
    • Garden: fertile, with good drainage, although it can live in poor soils.
    • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
  • Irrigation: it has to be watered about 3-4 times a week in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year. It does not tolerate drought, but neither does waterlogging.
  • Subscriber: in spring and summer it is advisable to fertilize with compost or guano.
  • Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
  • Pruning: after flowering, remove dry, diseased or weak branches, and trim those that have grown excessively.
  • Pests: it is very resistant, but can be attacked by Red spider y aphids.
  • Rusticity: resistant up to -12ºC.

What did you think of maiden grass?

How to care for Vinca difformis?

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