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Our gardens, a month-by-month pictorial diary of what's looking good now => Our Gardens => Topic started by: MikeHardman on August 19, 2012, 03:27:44 PM

Title: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: MikeHardman on August 19, 2012, 03:27:44 PM
I don't grow this myself, but I have seen it doing very nicely in several Cyprus gardens. Flowering is perhaps just passing its best now. Methinks I ought to get some.
I don't have a photo, but I suspect somebody else might be able to provide one...
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: Hilary on August 20, 2012, 11:26:23 AM
I hope this is the plant you mention.
These were in  little pots included in the place setting for  each person at the  table of a  wedding reception we attended last July.
Unfortunately the plants did not survive my "care"
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: MikeHardman on August 20, 2012, 11:32:16 AM
Thanks Hilary. Yes, that's the species, though your particular ones seem to be near-white (chosen with the wedding in mind, no doubt). The ones I am seeing are pink-magenta. Thanks.
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: John J on August 20, 2012, 12:34:21 PM
As you say, Mike, these are a fairly common sight around the island. I've seen them growing in all sorts of weird and wonderful places, between pavement slabs, in cracks at the base of walls and so on, obviously garden escapes. They're not a plant that I've ever really taken to as regards growing them myself.
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: MikeHardman on August 20, 2012, 02:53:50 PM
Thanks John.
Sounds as like they could become a nuisance, with self-seeding.
Here's a piccy (http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/Botanik/Schoenfelder/kanaren/images/Catharanthus_roseus.jpg).
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: John J on August 22, 2012, 05:28:21 PM
Talk about coincidences. Just a few days ago I said on a post that Catharanthus was not a plant that I had taken to as regards growing myself. This morning my wife did a favour for a friend and lo and behold she turned up this afternoon with a plant in a pot as a thank you gift. Do you really need 3 guesses as to what it was?
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: JTh on August 22, 2012, 06:58:01 PM
I have used them a lot in pots on the terrace and near the entrance in Halkidiki, they are inexpensive, bright and cheerful, those that I have planted in the flower beds have never spread or become a nuisance (I should wish they would). They are still called Vinca (or rather Βίνκα), I buy them at the local market).
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: MikeHardman on August 22, 2012, 09:05:59 PM
 :) folks
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: Daisy on August 24, 2012, 09:39:17 AM
One thing I really like about Catharanthus roseus, is how they always look so fresh. It is especially welcome at this time of year, late August.
I took these pictures this morning.

(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/daisyincrete/066-4.jpg)

It is the shiny leaves and their self-cleaning habit that give them that freshness.
Compare this photo of some Impatiens walleriana just on the other side of the path. They have dull leaves.

(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss112/daisyincrete/067-4.jpg)

Daisy :)
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: MikeHardman on August 24, 2012, 09:52:44 AM
So true, Daisy!
And very well illustrated.
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: John J on October 11, 2012, 07:42:08 AM
In an earlier post I mentioned seeing these plants in some strange places but I never got around to taking any photos. Yesterday while picking up my grandson from school I saw these opposite the school gates. Naturally, as usual, I didn't have a camera with me so I had to resort to using my mobile phone. That's my excuse for the poor quality, plus having to take it rather hurridly with one eye on the traffic. Some of those mums are lethal when it comes to finding a parking space as close as possible to the school gate!!
Title: Re: Catharanthus roseus looking good now in Cyprus gardens
Post by: John on October 15, 2012, 07:59:21 PM
Daisy seeing the white one it looks incredibly like a Phlox flower. I can't remember if I ever checked but are they scented?