Its a modest plant that thrives in different conditions and is relativelymaintenance-free.And not just thatit looks gorgeous too!
The periwinkle flower comes in vibrant shades of blue, lavender, white, and soft pink.
Its leaves, too, are beautifulthey are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped.
Together, the vibrant blossoms and lush foliage create a captivating symphony of colors and shapes.
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Periwinkle is mostly cultivated as a ground cover.
Its rapid growth helps cover bare soil and suppress the growth of weeds.
So, if youre ready to transform your garden with the beauty of periwinkles, read on!
Most gardeners prefer this variety as a low-ground cover to keep away weeds.
Its grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes because of its attractive pink flowers.
Moreover, parts of it areused in severalmedicinesto treat diabetes, cough, and sore throat.
However, ingesting it is considered unsafe due to the presence of vinca alkaloids.
Note:Madagascar periwinkle is regarded astoxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
This is a hybrid variety that produces pale blue or white flowers.
It is used as amedicinal herbin some cultures.
It is not as commonly cultivated as other periwinkle varieties.
However, it can be grown as a ground cover on slopes or rocky garden beds.
This variety has distinct pale blue or violet flowers that look like pinwheels.
Where and When to Plant Periwinkle
Vinca minoris a hardy plant.
It adapts well to different growing conditions, meaning it can be planted in a range of garden controls.
It also grows well along garden borders, creating an attractive edge.
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Moreover, periwinkle can help control soil erosion.
It has the ability to root and spread rapidly, which helps hold the soil in place.
Hence, if soil erosion is an issue, plant it along slopes and hillsides.
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Now, lets address the timing.
Periwinklesbloom in spring and summerand sometimes again in the fall.
Hence, they should be planted in early spring, around March or April.
How to Plant Periwinkle Outside
Step 1.
Loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller.
This helps create a hospitable environment for the roots to spread.
Mix in organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Space these plants 1218 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Water the new plant thoroughly and add mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Ensure your soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Add in compost to improve its fertility.
When it comes to watering periwinkle, the mantra is moderation.
Like most plants, it appreciatesconsistent moisturebut wont tolerate waterlogging.
Water new seedlings twice a week but reduce watering as the plant matures.
Water only when the top of the soil feels dry.
Periwinkle thrives inpartial to full shade.
However, it can also tolerate some sunlight, especially in cooler climates.
Aim for a spot with dappled sunlight, preferably under a tree canopy.
While afternoon shade can provide relief in hotter regions, the plant thrives in moderate temperatures.
However, periwinkle wont tolerate frost.
If you are growing periwinkle flowers in a pot, consider moving them indoors in winter.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing periwinkles isnt necessary.
However, a small dose of balanced NPK fertilizer can give you brilliant green and dense foliage.
Pruning Periwinkles
Pruning periwinkles is essential to keep their rapid growth in check.
Mow or shear the plant if it invades other small plants in your garden.
Regularly trim the edges as part of yourlawn careto prevent the plant from spreading too vigorously.
Give it a good trim in early spring to remove any winter damage or straggly growth.
Deadhead the very first flowers in spring to encourage dense growth.
To prepare for overwintering, trim the plant back to just a few inches in height.
This will encourage regrowth in spring.
First, choose a well-draining container with drainage holes.
A pot thats 12 to 18 inches in diameter works well for periwinkle.
verify to use an organic soil mix and add perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
Propagating Periwinkle
Propagating periwinkle is a breeze and a great way to expand your green space.
Remove excess leaves from the lower part, and place the stem cutting in a jar filled with water.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and ensures that your periwinkle cuttings have the best conditions for rooting.
After a few weeks, youll start to see tiny roots emerging from the nodes of the cuttings.
Once the roots are a couple of inches long, your periwinkle cuttings are ready to be planted.
Create a hole in the soil using your finger and plant the cutting.
Gently press the soil to help the new plant settle in its new home.
Water them thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Seed Propagation
Periwinkle can be grown from seed, but it takes time and patience.
Start the seeds indoors in aseed tray68 weeks before spring.
Periwinkle seeds germinate in darkness, so ensure to press them deep into the soil.
Seedlings will start emerging in 1014 days.
Wait another 23 weeks till the plants develop strong roots.
After that, you’re free to transplant them directly into the soil in springtime.
Division Method
This is the quickest way to propagate the periwinkle plant.
To divide, dig out a clump of the plant with roots intact.
Periwinkles have shallow roots, so dig carefully.
Divide the plant so each section has enough roots to hold in the soil.
Next, transplant into the desired location and water thoroughly to help the plant establish.
Even the periwinkle color is celebrated in the fashion world.
However, they are not entirely immune to diseases and pests.
They might be susceptible to leaf spots and wilting sparked by fungal diseases.
The plant can be affected by common pests, such as spider mites and whiteflies.
Use an insecticidal spray or neem oil to keep these insects at bay.
Herbivores such as deer and rabbits tend to avoid eating periwinkle.
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Hosta(Hosta spp.)
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So, there you have itan easy guide to growing and caring for periwinkles.
This low-maintenance plant will make a beautiful addition to your home garden.
With a little bit of care, your periwinkle paradise is sure to flourish.
So, roll up your sleeves and embrace the simple joys of gardening with periwinkle.
FAQs
Does Periwinkle Come Back Every Year?
Yes, periwinkle is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year.
In colder climates, periwinkle will experience winter dieback.
However, it usually regenerates from the roots in the spring.
In milder climates, it can thrive throughout the year.
Will Periwinkle Choke Out Weeds?
Yes, it can be effective in suppressing weeds to some extent.
Also, its vigorous growth outcompetes weeds for space and nutrients.
However, periwinkle is considered invasive for this very reason.
You must prune it frequently to check its growth in unwanted areas.
