{"id":8243,"date":"2023-07-04T02:22:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-04T06:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/?p=8243"},"modified":"2023-07-04T02:33:19","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T06:33:19","slug":"how-to-plant-and-grow-periwinkle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/04\/how-to-plant-and-grow-periwinkle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plant and Grow Periwinkle"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Tricky shady spots meet their match in periwinkle.<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/figure>

Leave no ground uncovered with the mighty periwinkle! This vigorous trailing plant can easily tackle any tricky shady situation and happily cover your planting space. Its glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful blue star-like flowers can really brighten up a shady corner in your garden.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Periwinkle Overview<\/h3>
GENUS NAME<\/td>Vinca<\/td><\/tr>
COMMON NAME<\/td>Periwinkle<\/td><\/tr>
PLANT TYPE<\/td>Perennial<\/td><\/tr>
LIGHT<\/td>Part Sun, Shade, Sun<\/td><\/tr>
HEIGHT<\/td>6 to 12 inches<\/td><\/tr>
FLOWER COLOR<\/td>Blue, Purple, White<\/td><\/tr>
FOLIAGE COLOR<\/td>Blue\/Green<\/td><\/tr>
SEASON FEATURES<\/td>Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom, Winter Interest<\/td><\/tr>
SPECIAL FEATURES<\/td>Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance<\/td><\/tr>
ZONES<\/td>4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9<\/td><\/tr>
PROPAGATION<\/td>Division, Stem Cuttings<\/td><\/tr>
PROBLEM SOLVERS<\/td>Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Slope\/Erosion Control<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Where to Plant Periwinkle<\/span><\/h2>

It seems like every garden has a tricky dark corner where no grass will grow and perennials fizzle out. Enter periwinkle. This tough-as-nails shade lover seems to look increasingly lush year after year without needing much care. With its vigorous sprawling habit, periwinkle can easily colonize any area.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div>

As periwinkle plants grow, they have a knack for laying down roots wherever their stems come in contact with soil. This makes them a great option for\u00a0preventing weeds from growing\u00a0between their dense mats of foliage. However, it also means these plants can spread indefinitely. As long as you catch them early, they are easy enough to pull up as they spread, and they certainly don’t mind a good haircut every now and then. Cutting the plants back also encourages new growth, which is much brighter and shinier than the old leaves and offers a nice spot of color in dark areas. Periwinkle works well as a rock garden plant, too!<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Invasive Plant<\/h3>

In harsh northern climates, periwinkle is not quite invasive, but in places with mild climates, these plants can quickly take over a garden. No matter where you are, it’s best to stay on top of them to keep them in bounds.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/span>

How and When to Plant Periwinkle<\/span><\/h2>

Plant periwinkle in spring or fall in a partially shaded area using nursery plants. Periwinkle prefers slightly acidic soil that drains well. If the soil is heavy or needs other amendments, add them before planting. Carefully remove the periwinkle plants from the nursery containers and plant them in a hole large enough to hold the root system at the same level as in the nursery containers. Space them 8 inches apart in small areas or 12 to 18 inches apart in large areas. Avoid planting them near other small plants; they spread quickly, and the mats of growth will choke out nearby plants. Water deeply and keep the soil moist for a couple of months to give the roots time to develop; after that, only water when the soil is dry to 1 inch.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Periwinkle Care Tips<\/span><\/h2>

Light<\/span><\/h3>

These plants prefer dappled sun, but they’ll take what they can get and grow in anything from\u00a0full sun\u00a0to\u00a0full shade.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Soil and Water<\/span><\/h3>

These plants are tough, and they grow in almost any situation, but the ideal soil is\u00a0humus-rich\u00a0and evenly moist. They’ll also grow in poor soil that dries out a bit, but not as vigorously. Periwinkle does best with about an inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Temperature and Humidity<\/span><\/h3>

Periwinkle plants grow best in a warm daytime temperature of at least 75\u00b0F and a nighttime temperature above 60\u00b0F. The warmer, the better. Periwinkle plants tolerate humid and wet climates, but they are more susceptible to diseases in humid areas.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>

Although periwinkle will grow in poor soil, a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer applied to soil that lacks organic matter increases the plant’s growth rate and encourages blooming. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Pests and Problems<\/span><\/h2>

Periwinkle plants don’t have severe pest problems, but they can\u00a0fall prey to aphids, scale, or spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or\u00a0neem oil. When grown in wet areas, they may die back due to fungal diseases.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

How to Propagate Periwinkle<\/span><\/h2>

Periwinkle plants are\u00a0easily propagated using stem cuttings. Cut a 4 to 6-inch stem with leaves but no flowers, and remove any leaves from the bottom third of the cutting. Dip the cutting in rooting powder, and plant it in a small pot filled with a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Add water, enclose the pot in a large, clear plastic bag and place it in a warm, bright area. Open the bag daily to check that the planting medium remains moist. If needed, carefully add water to the soil or mist the cutting. The periwinkle will root in two to four weeks. Remove the plastic bag after the cutting roots.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Minor vs. Major<\/span><\/h2>

Most commonly, the periwinkle you find in a garden center is\u00a0Vinca minor<\/em>. This is the hardier and smaller plant of the two main species\u2014minor in Latin means smaller. The other species commonly found is\u00a0Vinca major<\/em>. As you may guess, major means bigger.\u00a0Vinca major<\/em>\u00a0is a larger plant with bigger leaves, flowers, and habit. However,\u00a0Vinca major\u00a0<\/em>is less hardy and is, therefore, less often seen,\u00a0especially in northern climates, or it is treated as an annual.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Types of Periwinkle<\/span><\/h2>

Purple Vinca<\/span><\/h3>
\"purple<\/div><\/div>
JAY WILDE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Vinca minor<\/i>\u00a0‘Atropurpurea’ bears creeping stems and dark purple flowers on and off from spring to fall. Zones 4-9<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Vinca<\/span><\/h3>
\"purple<\/div><\/div>
JAY WILDE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Vinca minor<\/i>\u00a0offers pretty blue blooms periodically from spring to frost. Zones 4-9<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div><\/span>

Periwinkle Companion Plants<\/span><\/h2>

Lungwort<\/span><\/h3>
\"purple<\/div><\/div>
DAVID MCDONALD<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

In early spring, the brilliant blue, pink, or white flowers of lungwort\u00a0bloom despite the coldest chill. The rough basal leaves, spotted or plain, always please and continue to be handsome through the season and into winter. Planted close as a weed-discouraging groundcover or in borders as edgings or bright accent plants, lungworts are workhorses that retain their good looks. Provide high-humus soil that retains moisture. Although lungwort tolerates dry conditions, be alert for mildew.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Lilyturf<\/span><\/h3>
\"lilyturf<\/div><\/div>
DOUG HETHERINGTON<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Used often as a groundcover or an edging plant, lilyturf or liriope is\u00a0popular for a good reason. It stays green year-round in many climates, produces pretty blue or white flowers, and is about as tough a plant as you’ll hope to meet. Its dense tufts of almost-evergreen, broadly grassy leaves are often striped. Stiff stems bear tight spikes of tiny blue or white bells, similar to those of grape hyacinth. It thrives when protected from drying winds in rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/div>

Hakone Grass<\/span><\/h3>
\"Japanese<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

The elegant, sweeping lines of this grass are so lovely that it’s a favorite among gardeners, and Japanese forest grass is one of only a few\u00a0ornamental grasses that thrive in shade. Its mounding clumps of arching, grassy leaves gradually increase in size, never becoming invasive. Variegated cultivars are particularly attractive. All thrive in moisture-retaining, humus-rich soil and tolerate dry conditions.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tricky shady spots meet their match in periwinkle. Leave no ground uncovered with the mighty periwinkle! This vigorous trailing plant can easily tackle any tricky shady situation and happily cover your planting space. Its glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful blue star-like flowers can really brighten up a shady corner in your garden. Periwinkle Overview GENUS NAME Vinca COMMON NAME Periwinkle PLANT TYPE Perennial LIGHT Part Sun, Shade, Sun HEIGHT 6 to 12 inches FLOWER COLOR Blue, Purple, White FOLIAGE COLOR Blue\/Green SEASON FEATURES Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom, Winter Interest SPECIAL FEATURES Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance ZONES 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 PROPAGATION Division, Stem Cuttings PROBLEM SOLVERS Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Slope\/Erosion Control Where to Plant Periwinkle It seems like every garden has a tricky dark corner where no grass will grow and perennials fizzle out. Enter periwinkle. This tough-as-nails shade lover seems to look…<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8243","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-green-plants-and-flowers"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8243"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8248,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243\/revisions\/8248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}