How To Grow And Care For Periwinkle

With trailing, arching stems that root where they touch soil, periwinkle plants (Vinca minor) grow as ground and bank covers. They feature shiny, dark green oval leaves and lavender-blue, five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped flowers that appear in leaf joints in early spring.

Periwinkle makes a great choice to plant around trees as it can successfully compete with surface tree roots. It grows moderately, however, some varieties of vinca can be aggressive and spread rapidly, especially when planted in deep shade. Since it is considered invasive, some states call for moderate management of the plant. Sprinkle seeds directly over the soil in spring. Periwinkle is toxic to dogs and cats.

Here is what to know about growing and caring for periwinkle.

Plant Attributes

Periwinkle Care

This plant doesn't require a green thumb to maintain. It's pretty hardy and thrives in various environments. This low-growing ground cover creeps along, putting down roots everywhere it touches dirt. You won’t find a more reliable ground cover for bare spots or to grow under trees. In addition to filling out your garden beds with lush, green leaves, it’s a good choice for difficult landscape situations such as hills, slopes, and places susceptible to erosion.

Plant soil-tolerant periwinkle’s larger species and its selections 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart; dwarf varieties should be planted 1 1/2 feet apart. When the plants mound up or become layered with old stems, shear before new spring growth begins. Deer don't care for periwinkles.

Light

Periwinkle grows well in low light situations, including part sun, part shade, and full shade. When planted in full sun, periwinkle can scorch.

Soil

Periwinkle adapts to most soil environments, but to start growing this plant, add some organic peat moss or compost mixture to help improve soil drainage and nutrients.

Water

When first planting your periwinkle, water the plant until the roots are well-established. Continue to keep it well-watered by maintaining moist but well-drained soil. Apply water to the roots instead of the entire plant. It helps to water earlier in the day to allow the afternoon sun to dry the vine's leaves and prevent disease or mold from forming. Periwinkle will be relatively drought-tolerant once fully established, but it does like the moist soil generally found in shaded and partially shaded areas.

Temperature and Humidity

Periwinkle is tolerant of cold and hot temperatures, but it is sensitive to drastic temperature changes. It tolerates humidity, but it does make periwinkle more susceptible to disease. It prefers moderate, warm temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When nighttime temperatures dip below 50, bring potted periwinkle indoors. 

Fertilizer

Periwinkle will grow in poor soil so fertilizer probably isn’t necessary. If needed, use a balanced fertilizer for periwinkle that's planted in soil with little organic matter to encourage blooms.

Types of Periwinkle

Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major)

Greater periwinkle grows in Zones 7-9 (USDA) in MS, LS, and CS. This is a larger, more aggressive species. Leaves grow to 3 inches long with purple blooms that grow to 2 inches across. The plant mounds to 12 feet high, spreads rapidly, and can be invasive in sheltered, shady areas.

• 'Variegata,' probably as common as the green form, has leaves strongly edged in white.

Common Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Common periwinkle, or dwarf periwinkle, grows in Zones 6-9 (USDA) in US, MS, LS, and CS gardens. This is a miniature version of Vinca major with ¾ to 1 ¾ inch long leaves and flowers that bloom an inch wide. It is more restrained and less likely to invade adjacent plantings.

• 'Atropurpurea' has deep purple flowers and small leaves.
• 'Illumination' has bright gold leaves edged in green with blue flowers.
• 'La Grave' ('Bowles Variety') has deeper blue flowers and larger leaves.
• 'Ralph Shugert' features white-edged leaves and blue flowers, and repeats blooming in autumn.
• 'Sterling Silver' produces blue flowers among white-edged leaves speckled with pale green.

Pruning

When the plants mound up or become layered with old stems, mow or shear before new spring growth begins. Cut any runners and prune regularly to prevent the plant from spreading.

Propagating Periwinkle

Because it grows so well, periwinkle is a good plant to dig and divide rather than attempt propagation with a stem cutting or growing from seed. To divide, follow these steps:

1. Dig around a plant. You won’t have to go too far because they don’t root deeply. 
2. Remove the plant from the soil.
3. Dig a planting bed about the same size and depth as the plant you dug up so that it matches its previous growing environment. Place the plant inside.
4. Tap down the soil. 
5. Water well to start, then water consistently until the plant is established.
   

Potting and Repotting Periwinkle

Periwinkle can easily be grown in containers or hanging baskets. To plant, choose a pot with drainage holes and fill with well-draining soil. Plant a divided periwinkle section in the soil. Place it in a location that gets some shade, and water when the top two inches of soil are dry.

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 isn’t 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. Watch for fungal diseases like stem blight, which turns the stem black, and leaf spot, which causes black spots on the leaves. Treat the plant with a fungicide if needed. To prevent fungal diseases, water the plant at its roots to keep the foliage dry and ensure good air circulation.