Periwinkle Plant Guide: How to Grow Periwinkle Flowers

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an herbaceous evergreen plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering shrubs. The periwinkle plant is also known by the common names lesser periwinkle and creeping myrtle. Periwinkles are native to Europe and are frequently planted as groundcover in North America. In many forests and other shaded areas, periwinkle is considered an invasive species like its larger relative, Vinca major.

Mature periwinkles reach about six inches in height but often have long trailing vines. It is easiest to grow periwinkle in USDA hardiness zones four through eight and plant them in the early spring before the blooming season begins. Window boxes and hanging baskets also make good setups for periwinkle plants. Be aware that the entire periwinkle plant is toxic to humans and pets.

Consider these tips for helping your periwinkle plants thrive.

1. 1. Light: Partial sun or partial shade are ideal for growing periwinkle plants. Avoid too much full sun exposure to ensure that your periwinkle maintains a healthy growth rate. Harsh afternoon sunlight may burn your plants, so keep them away from west-facing windows if indoors.
2. 2. Temperature: Protect your periwinkle plants from frost and excessive humidity. Nighttime temperatures of fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit or higher are crucial for periwinkle plants.
3. 3. Soil: Different varieties of periwinkle can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While soil rich in compost is ideal, poor soil conditions may be tolerable for some periwinkles. In either case, good drainage is vital for growing periwinkles.
4. 4. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not wet. Mature periwinkles are drought-resistant and can withstand a brief dry spell. Fungal diseases may occur when the plant becomes overly wet. To avoid this, directly water the soil rather than wetting the leaves.
5. 5. Fertilizing: Fertilizers with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are the most effective for periwinkles. Fertilize your periwinkle once a month to enhance the foliage brilliance and bloom growth.
6. 6. Pests: Scale insects like greedy scale and black scale commonly attack periwinkles. Aphid infestations may also occur and cause yellowing leaves. Use a gentle insecticide soap diluted with water or neem oil to control pest problems.

There are many cultivars of periwinkle to choose from.

1. 1. ‘Jekyll’s White’: This periwinkle cultivar features abundant white flowers.
2. 2. ‘Alba’: This cultivar displays white blossoms like the ‘Jekyll’s White’ variety but in lesser profusion.
3. 3. ‘Azurea Flore Pleno’: With striking vibrant purple flowers, ‘Azurea Flore Pleno’ blossoms double up when they bud.
4. 4. ‘Sterling Silver’: This cultivated periwinkle variety is notable for deep blue blossoms and leaves with white edges.
5. 5. ‘Illumination’: One of the newer periwinkle varieties, Illumination is distinct for its yellow splotch in the center of each leaf.
6. 6. ‘Moonlit’: Less hardy than common periwinkle, ‘Moonlit’ yields double flowers in lavender hues with yellow variegation.

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