These consist of blue flowers and yellow and green foliage. 3-Bedroom Contemporary Style Two-Story Cottage with Bonus Room (Floor Plan), Homestratosphere's Editorial Staff & Writers, Rose with a dark pink center and light white tips. Other Names: Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle, This beautiful groundcover is a variation of the Bowles variety that is less prone to disease and has blue flowers instead of the lilac-lavender usually found; partial shade is best with well drained soil but will grow quite well in heavy clay. 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. Its most often a blue flower, although there are many varieties of this plant in existence that come in a wide range of colours.
This plant is considered invasive in several states surrounding NC and California. Prefers part shade to shade in fertile well-drained soil. In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area. Weeding and mulching are required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area.
Periwinkle is most often grown as a ground cover. For People Who Collect Memories, Not Things. There is also a version of this flower called the Alba Plena, which is a double-flower variety and very attractive, although it is uncommon to find it commercially. The unique display offers an exotic touch to the summer garden. Yes, the quick-spreading nature of the plant makes it ideal as a groundcover. The tiny little periwinkle flowers will bloom in spring or summer. Periwinkles have long stems of glossy evergreen foliage in plain green or variegated with white, yellow, or cream, which provide colour and interest all year round. You should plant periwinkle in spring or early autumn. Its non-flowering stems grow along the ground, with the flowering stems stand upright.
The periwinkle thrives in the sun but can survive in the shade. Mowing the patch low after blooming every couple of years will help to keep it thick and weed resistant.
The Latin specific epithet major means "larger",[1] in relation to the similar Vinca minor L. Vinca major is a trailing vine, spreading along the ground and rooting along the stems to form dense masses of groundcover individually 25 m across and scrambling up to 5070cm high. They exude a milky juice when broken. The most common types of periwinkle are lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) and greater periwinkle (Vinca major). It spreads as its nodes come in contact with the surrounding soil, forming roots. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Dart's Blue Periwinkle is recommended for the following landscape applications; Dart's Blue Periwinkle will grow to be only 3 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. The trailing, arching stems that root where they touch the soil make these evergreen plants useful as groundcovers, for erosion control on banks, or for cascading from window boxes or planters. In fact, the plant may be problematic in some areas, so be sure to check the status of this vinca in your region. This ground-covering plant got its name from the beautiful flowers that decorate the foliage.
They are close relatives to Madagascar periwinkle, so-called because it is native to the island of Madagascar.
Fertilize the plants with a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer in early spring, at the first sign of new growth. Factsheet | HGIC 1112 | Reviewed: Feb 2, 2021 | Print, Periwinkle flowers in early spring.
Sterling Silver bears dark blue flowers and foliage with white margins.
in height. Periwinkle easily spreads and grows, so ensure the area you plant it in has the space to facilitate this growth. Leaves are up to 3 inches long. You can grow the periwinkle plant using seeds, although this takes quite a bit of time and patience. This is probably the most popular evergreen groundcover, forming a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves, studded with bright blue flowers in spring.
Its dense foliage will also help to keep weeds under control. Of the Bowles Variety, this flower has leaves with white edges, and the petals themselves are sky blue. When planting periwinkle flowers, ensure that there is enough space for them to grow 60 centimetres wide and 15 centimetres in length. Snap up great exclusive offers from our carefully chosen partners, Growing and controlling periwinkle in your garden, All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. Plant with the top of the rootball level with the ground, firm the soil around the roots and water in thoroughly.
It grows up to 30 feet in height and blooms from April through the fall months. It forms dense strands that envelop other plant life and can prevent saplings and shrubs from growing by blocking out the light. Growing periwinkle in partial shade creates more vigorous growth. If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us using the "contact" option on the site menu and we will be happy to answer any questions. This is probably the most popular evergreen groundcover, forming a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves, studded with bright blue flowers in spring. These are also found in lower Himalayan ranges in Asia. Before planting periwinkle, determine which area needs to be covered and plant accordingly. The periwinkle flower comes in a wide range of colours that can include purple, white, pink, red, magenta, and even bi-colours. The soil should be slightly moist but not soggy, as this can cause rot and fungal diseases. Periwinkles are low-growing evergreen perennials, useful for covering the ground to prevent weeds and for planting up awkward spots. A beautiful bicolour form with defined blue and white trumpet flower clusters on sturdy stems, over compact foliage.
Insects that may affect this plant include nematodes and aphids.
Water vining vinca plants deeply once or twice a week. They contain a milky latex. One of the most interesting things about the periwinkle plant is that there are various varieties, including the Littorinidae, which is actually a form of a snail. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Periwinkles often bloom from spring to autumn depending on the climate, and they grow to be approximately 15 centimetres in length.
Periwinkles have been known to help with a lot of different ailments, including the following: Pain relief, including from sore throats and headaches. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners World Magazine and get your first 3 issues for just 5 PLUS receive our 2-for-1 Gardens to Visit Card and Guide. They are borne in abundance in early spring and sporadically throughout the summer. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Periwinkle, and anything with periwinkle or Vincamine in it should be avoided if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is usually the best choice for gardens, forming neat mats of growth that look good all year and keep weeds at bay. Do not plant near other specimens in the flower bed or garden, as it may overtake and choke out valuable plantings.
The calyx surrounding the base of the flower is 1017 millimetres (0.390.67in) long with hairy margins. This fungal disease often occurs in cooler conditions and treatment requires a fungicide. The easiest and quickest way to grow periwinkle is to use cuttings, nursery transplants or seedlings. Plant whenever the soil is workable and provide sufficient water, especially when planting in summer. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. Growing to 25cm (10in) tall and spreading indefinitely, it is an evergreen perennial, frequently used in cultivation as groundcover. Dont put the rooted pieces on the compost heap where they may continue growing but dispose of in garden waste bags instead, Periwinkle growing in the lawn can be mown regularly, Chemical weedkiller can be used as a last resort. As much as this can be helpful, it can easily become a pest if not properly monitored and cared for. While greater periwinkle is fine for awkward spots like poor or stony ground, or a rough bank, it can become a big problem in a border with other plants. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. New growth of variegated large periwinkle emerges in spring. PLUS receive our 2-for-1 Gardens to Visit Card and Guide. Infected leaves should be sheared off and discarded. The flowering period extends from early spring to autumn. We strongly recommend you grow varieties of Vinca minor rather than Vinca major, which can be invasive. Another common ailment is blight, identifiable by spotty, dying leaves and flowers. This would help us to provide only the best-quality information. 348, This page was last edited on 21 May 2022, at 15:56. Bowles Variety has blue flowers and grows vigorously in clumps. Adding fertiliser, compost, and mulch provides more nutrients. Periwinkle is best used for controlling erosion as described above.
Periwinkle also makes excellent ground cover for hard to access sites such as banks. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Stems are erect with apex arching toward the ground. All species have opposite leaves and single flowers. If the soil is poor, improve it by digging in well-rotted organic matter first. Reticulata has foliage netted with yellow lines. Growth can be restricted in several ways: 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle and many more.
It can be grown in containers outside of zone7. Being one of the relatively few plants to thrive in shade, its extremely useful to grow in groups under trees or shrubs. II, pag. For larger areas, place your plants 12"-18" apart. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Vinca major, with the common names bigleaf periwinkle, large periwinkle, greater periwinkle and blue periwinkle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, native to the western Mediterranean. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies.
Alternatively, lift the stems to find sections that have rooted, then detach the individual stems from the parent plant and grow on individually in small pots. You can avoid this by ensuring your soil has proper drainage. The blue to violet flowers appear in spring and may bloomintermittently through autumn. Of the 12 species of periwinkle, two are popular groundcovers. Periwinkle care after planting may require the removal of tall weeds in the area. Periwinkle is also used as a spreading shrub in USDA garden zones 4 to 8. Periwinkle appears low on the exotic invasive list, but can escape cultivation in the garden.
While it has been known to grow aggressively and take over garden space, you can plant it amongst other flowers. The periwinkle is a perennial flower that often blooms in the spring or summer time. Seldom seen in cultivation. The genus name probably derives from the Latin word vincire, meaning bind, as the long creeping vines were used to prepare garlands. Karen Russ, 2007 HGIC, Clemson Extension. This is because greater periwinkle throws out long shoots that root where they touch the ground. A white flowering form of periwinkle, it has a yellow and green variegation. Join our free Rewards membership program and receivesale alerts, first dibs on event sign-ups, and exclusive offers. With double-lavender flowers and a yellow variegation, this plant is less hardy than many other varieties but no less attractive. Now that you know how to grow periwinkle and manage its growth, you can make an informed decision before planting the specimen in your landscape. Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. Chemical control is seldom necessary. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This evergreen can spread aggressively, becoming invasive as it spread to adjacent beds and lawns, particularly in southern locations. Disease issues include root rot, leaf spot and blight. When attempting to cover a smaller area, planting8" apart will give you aquick cover. This species is found in southern Europe and northern Africa, from Spain and southern France east to the western Balkans, and also in northeastern Turkey and the western Caucasus.
For best results grow periwinkle in moist but well-drained soil, although it will grow in all but extremely dry or waterlogged ground. You should be able to see these as text links or blocks of ads which have a small notation indicating Ads by Google or AdChoices. Oblong to ovate leaves are opposite, simple, to 2 inches long, glossy, with a short petiole. Periwinkle is susceptible to dieback (plants wilt and die back to the ground), caused by fungal diseases. [5], Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vinca_major&oldid=1089044285, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from February 2019, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia Edagricole 1982, Vol. Periwinkle prefers shade but will grow well in full sun. These are also found in lower Himalayan ranges in Asia. Propagate by taking tip cuttings of non-flowering stems in late spring or divide throughout the season.
When grown along streamsides, moving waters can also dislodge pieces of the stems, wash them downstream, where they can form additional colonies. Ensure that the soil is properly watered and ensure that it stays moist for the first 10 weeks of the growing process until the roots are established. Its trailing habit also makes a great selection for a hanging basket or window boxes. Superstitious Europeans in the Middle Ages called the purple-flowered plant the Sorcerers Violet because they often used it as an ingredient for magical charms and they believed it can dispel evil spirits. There are several names for periwinkles, including Vinca minor, Vinca major, Magdalena, church-flower, blue buttons, joy on the ground, devils eye, sorcerers violet, and myrtle.
If you would like to plant the periwinkle amongst other flowers, try planting them with bulbous plants like tulips.
Plants bloom in March or April and sometimes again in the fall. Sign up for our newsletter.
Dart's Blue Periwinkle is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. The prostrate-growing shoots of lesser periwinkle root where they touch the ground and gradually spread to form dense carpets of foliage. Stems root into the ground readily, and the new plants that form may be easily moved to a new location in spring or early fall. A recommended spacing of 45 centimetres is required when planting. This broad-leaf evergreen plant grows easily and periwinkle care most often involves keeping the prolific spreader in check. Periwinkle shoots develop roots where they touch the ground and plants can be divided during autumn. 175 people have added this plant to their wishlists, Discover professional care guides with the list below, Identify any of the health issues of your green pet.
Space the plants between 30-50 cm apart, depending on how big the plants are on purchase and how quickly you want to cover the ground. Remove the cut stems which could otherwise root, Where greater periwinkle is growing amongst other plants, dig out each rooted section using a pronged hand weeder. With this in mind, please be aware that we may receive remuneration for some of the products we review on this site. Although non-invasive, it is a vining plant and grows up to 12 inches wide, making it perfect for a border or at the base of a shrub. It prefers moist undergrowth, woodlands, hedgerows and banks along the rivers at an altitude of 0800 metres (02,625ft) above sea level. Find out how to grow periwinkle, plus varieties to grow and how to control invasive Vinca major. For more information, see section on Rhizoctonia Stem & Root Rot in HGIC 2108, Vinca Diseases. It prefers moist undergrowth, woodlands, hedgerows and banks along the rivers at an altitude of 0800 metres (02,625 ft) above sea level. White in color, this variety has very small blooms and leaves, and it blooms in the spring, although not as prolifically as other types of periwinkles. Periwinkle is often also called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. There are two genera in the plant family Catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkles, and Vinca or European periwinklesas well as three genera in the animal family Littorina littorea or the common periwinkle, the Nodilittorina unifasciata or blue periwinkle, and Littorina saxatilis or rough periwinkle. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Fertilize only when necessary, preferably in the spring with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Its small glossy oval leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year. Once theyve established themselves, it can be difficult to eradicate them, so be sure to keep an eye on growth. Flore Pleno has double, purple flowers. It is especially a common noxious weed 'smothering' native plants and diversity in riparian area and oak woodland habitats of coastal California.
We believe in being as transparent as possible when it comes to this site. Karen Russ, 2007 HGIC, Clemson Extension. It grows slowly, and you may have to plant more plants closer together to get the full effect that you likely want. The species name, Vinca, is derived from a Latin word that means to overcome, which is appropriate because since medieval times the plant has been used for a variety of ailments. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Periwinkle flowers are a great groundcover that is self-sufficient and easy to grow. 539 people already have this plant You can view your wishlist by creating or login account. It is a known host to a bacterium that may cause Pierce's disease, a deadly disease for grapevines.
Mowing the patch low after blooming every couple of years will help to keep it thick and weed resistant. Vinca minor grows about 6 inches tall, spreading in all directions by sending out long trailing and rooting shoots, which make new plants. Theyre able to spread using rooting shoots that are long and trailing. If this document didnt answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. The soil needs to be prepared to ensure nutrition and optimal drainage, and must be kept moist throughout the growing process. One of the active ingredients in the periwinkle is Vincamine, which has been used in numerous scientific studies for years. The mollusks come in a variety of sizes and types, and they can be researched by visiting various websites on the Internet.
Truly Experiences is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk (and other Amazon programs). These plants will thrive in soils rich in compost, but they will tolerate poorer soils. *Just pay 6.99 postage to receive nine potted plants, comprising x 3 varieties from the Salvia Lips Collection, Primula vialii x 3 and Verbena bonariensis x 3, plus no extra delivery costs on other selected offers. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Posted on Published: July 10, 2018- Last updated: June 22, 2021. In high dosages, it can cause low blood pressure. Be warned however that the roots can suffocate other plants when not properly controlled. Flowers are solitary, axillary, anthocyanin pigmented (violet) or white; corolla rotate, actinomorphic, 5-lobed. Make sure you buy the right periwinkle for your garden. The leaves are opposite, nearly orbicular at the base of the stems and lanceolate at the apex, 39cm long and 26cm broad, glossy dark green with a leathery texture and an entire but distinctly ciliate margin, and a hairy petiole 12cm long. The perennial periwinkle should not be confused with the bedding plant, Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).
The flowers are hermaphrodite, axillary and solitary, violet-purple, 35cm diameter, with a five-lobed corolla. Spring-flowering bulbs interplanted with periwinkle will lend color and interest to the groundcover planting. Growing Partridgeberries: Using Partridgeberry Ground Cover In Gardens, List Of Zone 3 Junipers: Tips For Growing Junipers In Zone 3, Madagascar Periwinkle Care: Growing Madagascar Rosy Periwinkle Plant, Tips For Growing Prairie Phlox In The Garden, Planting Fennel How To Grow Fennel Herb, Propagating Mums: Growing Mums From Cuttings And Seeds, No Blooms On Roses Why A Rose Does Not Bloom, Scented Geranium Care: How To Grow Scented Geranium. It has a rich and mystical history as an herbal and folk medicine. The sun provides light. Yes, while the flower is pretty it is toxic to humans.
We will also list ads from time to time. What colours do periwinkle flowers come in? At a 6-inch spacing periwinkle will completely cover an area in one year. Slender, cylindrical fruit is up to 2 inches long. The periwinkle is a flowering shrub that belongs to the dogbane or Apocynaceae family.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to The periwinkle plant is exceptional as an erosion control specimen. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows well in full sun and in deep shade. Variegata has blue flowers and leaves variegated with rich yellow. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. Periwinkle, once established, is drought resistant and needs little other care if properly sited in the landscape. Leaves are opposite, simple, evergreen, green or variegated, ovate, acute, rotund, entire and ciliolate. In locations where its aggressive growth is unchecked, it can crowd out native plants and degrade animal habitats. In addition, any other trademarks and logos we mention on this site are also the property of their respective owners. Non-flowering stems root at the tips where they touch the ground. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The flowers are patented and cannot be grown without permission, although they are very attractive. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Plant 4 to 10 plants per square yard. Growing periwinkle as a ground cover is common, as it rarely reaches more than 4 inches (10 cm.) The foliage is dark green, while the flowers can differ in colour, and are blue, purple, or white depending on the variety.