Periwinkle Care - How To Grow Periwinkle Plants

The periwinkle plant grows best in a partially shaded area in acidic soil; however, it can thrive in a variety of sunlight and soil conditions. Growing periwinkle in partial shade creates more vigorous growth. In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area.

How do you take care of periwinkle plants?

Periwinkle plants are easy to grow and care for. Provide them a well-drained moist soil, plenty of bright light, warm temperatures 65° F and above and they will do wonderfully out on the patio or deck as potted plants.

How long does it take periwinkle to spread?

At a 6-inch spacing periwinkle will completely cover an area in one year. Plant whenever the soil is workable and provide sufficient water, especially when planting in summer.

How do you plant periwinkles?

Periwinkle grows 3 to 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide. Space plants at least 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant out periwinkle in spring or early fall. Water the soil deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks, as the roots become established.

Why do my periwinkles keep dying?

Vincas, or periwinkles, can be infected with a fungal disease called aerial phytophthora. The disease spreads when the fungal spores in the soil are splashed on the plants when you water or when it rains. ... If rains or overwatering continues, the fungus can spread to the base of the plant and it can die.

Is Periwinkle an invasive plant?

common periwinkle: Vinca minor (Gentianales: Apocynaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Vinca minor L. ... Vinca minor is a vine-like erect or trailing groundcover; mostly evergreen; stems slender. Foliage.

Is Periwinkle poisonous to dogs?

The vinca alkaloids known as vinblastine and vincristine are widely used in chemotherapy to treat a variety of cancers in humans and animals. Since this periwinkle contains these alkaloids, if ingested by dogs, they can be poisonous and cause a variety of side effects.

How often should I water Periwinkle?

Water every other week, or if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Vinca is very drought tolerant and prefers its soil to be on the dry side of moist.

Will periwinkle take over grass?

Growing Conditions

Once established, the vines' broad leaves shade blades of lawn grasses, especially those kept under 2 inches tall, as they form colonies across lawns. By shading and competing successfully for moisture, periwinkle strangles less drought- and shade-tolerant grasses.

Will periwinkle kill other plants?

It's an aggressive ground cover that grows like crazy, yet it's gentle enough to not kill other flowers in the garden. ... The trick here is only get flowers that are more then 6 inches tall, don't plant seeds and expect them to grow with periwinkle in the way either. It won't climb or chock flowers or bushes.

How do I stop periwinkle from spreading?

Cut periwinkle plants with pruning shears in late spring or early fall when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a weed whip for large patches. Spray the cut stems with a ready-to-use, 5-percent glyphosate weedkiller.

Can you walk on Periwinkle?

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) [VIN-kah MY-nor]

It is tolerant of sun, but prefers partial shade and can turn yellowish when exposed to the hottest summer sun. It's durable -- you can walk on it.

Is Periwinkle poisonous to humans?

Periwinkle is UNSAFE. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage. Large amounts can cause very low blood pressure.

How do you know if plants are getting too much water?

When plants have too little water, leaves turn brown and wilt. This also occurs when plants have too much water. The biggest difference between the two is that too little water will result in your plant's leaves feeling dry and crispy to the touch while too much water results in soft and limp leaves.

Do periwinkles come back?

While both plants are separate species within the genus, they have a lot in common. Periwinkles spread rapidly, providing excellent groundcover and erosion prevention. Prolific reseeding habit guarantees the plant's return in spring, even in bitter climates that kill it back completely.

Why are my periwinkle leaves turning yellow?

ANSWER: What you describe is what happens to periwinkles when they are over-watered. Periwinkles are very drought tolerant and are sensitive to being watered too often. Keeping the soil too moist makes their roots sick, and that leads to yellow plants, dropping leaves and even death.

Is vinca and periwinkle the same thing?

Vinca is a good example. Periwinkle is the common name for this pretty plant that belongs to the dogbane or Apocynaceae family. ... Vinca major and vinca minor are shade-loving ground covers, and vinca vine is a trailer with variegated leaves often used in window boxes and containers.

Are periwinkle annual or perennial?

The vinca (Vinca minor), known as common periwinkle, is a perennial groundcover that produces blooms in a variety of colors. Varieties of periwinkle are known for their evergreen foliage that stays green and lush all year, with beautiful small flowers the emerge in spring.

How do you encourage Vinca to spread?

Vinca is drought-tolerant and doesn't require supplemental watering except on the hottest days. Fertilize vinca with a granular time-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage new growth and spread.

Is periwinkle a good ground cover?

Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. ... Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade.

Is Madagascar periwinkle poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Madagascar periwinkle is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth due to the presence of poisonous chemicals known as vinca alkaloids.