This shiny green ground cover can fill in your planting beds, around trees, and more.
Periwinkle makes a great choice to plant around trees as it can successfully compete with surface tree roots.
Note that periwinkle is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
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Here is what to know about growing and caring for periwinkle.
Plant Attributes
Periwinkle Care
This plantdoesn’t require a green thumbto maintain.
It’s pretty hardy and thrives in various environments.
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This low-growing ground cover creeps along, putting down roots everywhere it touches dirt.
You wont find a more reliable ground cover for bare spots or to grow under trees.
When the plants mound up or become layered with old stems, shear before new spring growth begins.
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Deer don’t care for periwinkles.
Water
When first planting your periwinkle,water the plantuntil the roots are well-established.
Continue to keep it well-watered by maintaining moist but well-drained soil.
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Apply water to the roots instead of the entire plant.
It tolerates humidity, but it does make periwinkle more susceptible to disease.
It prefers moderate, warm temperatures between 60oF and 75oF.
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When nighttime temperatures dip below 50oF, bring potted periwinkle indoors.
Fertilizer
Periwinkle will grow in poor soil so fertilizer probably isnt necessary.
This is a larger, more aggressive species.
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Leaves grow to three inches long with purple blooms that grow to two inches across.
‘Variegata’ has leaves strongly edged in white.
It is more restrained and less likely to invade adjacent plantings.
Cut any runners andprune regularlyto prevent the plant from spreading.
To plant, choose a pot with drainage holes and fill with well-draining soil.
Plant a divided periwinkle section in the soil.
Overwintering
This hardy plant can survive cold temperatures.
Add a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots in colder months.
Bring potted periwinkle indoors when temperatures start to drop.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Periwinkle isnt immune to garden pests or disease.
Common pests include aphids, white flies, and spider mites.
Signs of weak or yellowing leaves or webbing may indicate pests.
Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat.
Treat the plant with a fungicide if needed.
Vinca minors blue blooms grow among slick, dark green leaves.
Vinca major has larger yellow-white blossoms and light green leaves.
Periwinkle grows as a perennial and regrows back every year when grown in warmer climates.
It is sensitive to cold and is grown as an annual in colder climates.
Because it can self-seed, it will reappear in cold regions.
Because periwinkle is invasive, there are native alternatives to consider.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension.Vinca minor.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Periwinkle.
