Periwinkle
Lynda Ellis, Anoka County Master Gardener
Leave no ground uncovered with the mighty periwinkle. This vigorous trailing plant can easily tackle any tricky shady situation and happily cover your planting space. It has glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful blue star-like flowers that can really brighten up a shady corner in your garden.
Periwinkle’s scientific name is Vinca minor. Its genus name is from Latin, meaning to bind or wind around, in reference to the long, flexible stems that can be used in wreath making. Its species name means smaller. The leaves of Vinca minor are smaller compared to those of Vinca major. It is often called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. It belongs to the dogbane family.
Its oblong to ovate leaves are opposite, simple, ½ to 2 inches long and glossy with a short petiole. They exude a milky juice when broken. Some varieties, such as Illumination or Wojo's Gem, have leaves variegated with gold or cream and really add some pop to containers and dark corners. Though its flowers are usually blue, purple and white varieties are available. I have planted both the blue and white varieties, and only the blue now remain.
It is a deer resistant perennial; its height is 6-12 inches and it is indefinitely wide. While native to Asia and Europe, periwinkle is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It blooms best in full sun, but it also grows in shade. I have planted it under trees. It can be used for slope erosion control. It has even been used as a rock garden plant. I have planted bulbs among periwinkle, and they come up through the mat of growth with no problem.
Periwinkle, once established, is drought resistant and needs little other care if properly sited in the landscape. Periwinkle care after planting may include the removal of tall weeds within the area. Once established, growing periwinkle will likely shade out future growth of weeds and eliminate this chore. Do not plant near other specimens within the flower bed or garden, as it may overtake and choke out valuable plantings. In my garden, I have found that it can live with tall specimen plants like ligularia. Periwinkle may be used as a climber on a non-living support and is useful for blocking views when used in this way.
Periwinkle can escape cultivation and is particularly problematic in woodlands, where it can form dense mats and crowd out native species; it is currently considered invasive in Wisconsin. It has only been recorded invasive once in Minnesota when it escaped from a cemetery planting in Rice County, but this is likely under-reported. I wish you the best with all your growing efforts.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Periwinkle Care – How To Grow Periwinkle Plants
The Anoka County Master Gardeners invite you to visit our website, http://anokamastergardeners.org/ for more plant information.