Periwinkle grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade.
How do you prune periwinkle ground cover?
How to Prune Periwinkles
- Prune periwinkles back to about four inches tall with clean, sharp shears in early spring to reduce the plant’s natural tendency toward ranginess.
- Feed periwinkles after pruning to promote rapid, vigorous new growth.
How do you treat Periwinkle?
An effective treatment for water molds infesting vinca involves a soil drench using Daconil fungicide. Mix about 3 to 4 tablespoons of Daconil per 2.5 gallons of water in a watering can, and wet the top 3 to 4 inches of soil. Repeat the drenching the next day.
How do you take care of an annual vinca?
Annual vinca is drought tolerant but does best if you water the plants whenever the top inch or so of the soil feels dry to the touch. Take care not to overwater this plant; it’s easily susceptible to root rot. Keep potted vinca blooming well by fertilizing regularly with any general-purpose garden fertilizer.
Does periwinkle like sun or shade?
Periwinkle prefers shade but will grow well in full sun. The foliage color is richer green in partial shade, but more flowers are produced in the sun. Rooted cuttings or established plants are normally spaced from 12 to 18 inches apart.
Is Periwinkle annual or perennial?
Periwinkle is an herbaceous perennial evergreen ground cover in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. Originally from Europe, its dainty blue-lavender flowers appear against the backdrop of luxurious dark green leathery foliage in spring and early summer and intermittently throughout the year.
Does periwinkle come back every year?
Despite being called annual vinca, it is a herbaceous perennial, though it only fairs well as a perennial in warmer climates. Because it is adapted to such warm climates, gardeners generally replant it from year to year.
How do I control my vinca ground cover?
How to Regulate the Growth of a Vinca Plant
- Apply 1 inch of water and in one to two hours, hand pull vinca growth that goes beyond its allowed space.
- Mow or use a weed trimmer to cut back your vinca patch to the ground each year in early spring.
Will periwinkle take over grass?
Periwinkle is quick to grow and spread. It does well in places other ground covers, such as grass, will not take hold. Periwinkle’s simple needs makes it a great favorite for landscaping.
Can you prune annual vinca?
Avoid pruning vinca minor during May and June while it’s in bloom to keep from losing the colorful blossoms before they die a natural death. Perform a hard prune every two to three years to control growth, rejuvenate vinca minor and encourage its best performance.
Does vinca come back every year?
Vinca is grown as an annual. It will often return in following summers from self-sown seed. Annual vinca is not the same as the perennial periwinkles (Vinca minor or V. major) that are grown as groundcovers.
What is periwinkle ground cover?
Periwinkle is a very popular ground cover due to its glossy evergreen leaves and bright starry blue flowers. The plants establish and grow quickly, with remarkable tolerance to poor soils, unfavorable weather conditions and even mechanical damage.
Is Periwinkle a low maintenance plant?
However, Periwinkle flowers are great for a number of reasons, not just being low maintenance or great ground cover. In fact, Periwinkle flowers also bloom in the spring, summer, and fall, providing gardeners everywhere with color all season long.
What is another name for periwinkle?
Periwinkle is often also called creeping vinca. Periwinkle is most often grown as a ground cover. The periwinkle plant takes its common name from the attractive blooms that dot the foliage in April to May, appearing in the color of periwinkle blue.
Is a periwinkle a creeping Vinca?
The periwinkle plant is exceptional as an erosion control specimen. Periwinkle is also used as a spreading shrub in USDA garden zones 4 to 8. Periwinkle is often also called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. Periwinkle is most often grown as a ground cover.
