How to Tell Vincas & Impatiens Apart
- 1). Look at the blossoms. Vinca has tubular, five-petal, blossoms under 1 inch in diameter. Vinca traditionally has lavender or blue flowers, giving it the alternative name "periwinkle," but other colors are available. Impatiens flowers are distinctly flat in shape, rather than tubular and have five rounded, overlapping petals. Due to its popularity, impatiens has been widely cultivated resulting in a huge variety of colors available, even bi-color.
- 2). Observe the foliage. Vincas feature dark green, shiny, oval leaves with pointed ends. They are about 1.5 inches long for vinca minor and 3 inches long for vinca major. Vinca foliage roots at each node along the ground to form a dense ground cover. Impatiens leaves have an oval or elongated oval shape as well, but they are differentiated by a scalloped edge. They are generally bright green and may have a reddish tinge in some cultivars.
- 3). Notice where the plant is growing. Vincas thrive in sun, while impatiens prefer shade. The location of the plants and how healthy they look can be a clue as to which type of flower it is.
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