Is Periwinkle a Perennial? Simple Guide for Planting and Care

Gardeners are always on the lookout for plants that offer maximum beauty for minimal work. The search often leads to tough, spreading ground covers and periwinkle. Its resilience leads many to ask, Is periwinkle a perennial that can be trusted to come back? This guide will answer that question and provide all the details you need for successful planting.

Understanding Periwinkle: Vinca Minor vs. Vinca Major

Before you start digging, you should know that there are two main types of this ground cover. They look similar but act very differently in a garden. Choosing the right one is super important.

How to Grow and Care for Periwinkle

One of the best parts about this plant is that it’s super easy to grow. It’s a very low-maintenance plant, which means it doesn’t need a lot of fuss from you. Here’s what it likes:

Light and Soil Requirements

Periwinkle is not a picky plant at all. It can grow in shady spots, sunny spots, and everything in between. If you want to see the most flowers, though, try to give it a little bit of sun each day.

Whether your yard has sticky clay or loose sand, it will likely do just fine as long as the spot doesn’t stay wet and swampy.

Watering and Fertilizing

When you first plant periwinkle, you should water it regularly to help it get settled. But once it’s established, it can handle dry weather pretty well. You’ll only need to water it if there hasn’t been any rain for a long, long time. Its green leaves also help keep the soil healthy, much like how some indoor plants improve air quality inside your home.

The Benefits of Planting Periwinkle

Deciding to plant this ground cover is easy when you look at all the good things it does for your garden. For many, the answer to “Is periwinkle a perennial that works for me?” lies in its amazing benefits.

• Stops Weeds: The plant grows so thick that pesky weeds can’t get the sunlight they need to grow.
• Holds Soil in Place: The roots spread out and act like a net, which is great for preventing soil from washing away on hills.
• Green All Year: Even in the middle of winter, you’ll have a patch of green to look at.
• It’s Easy: This is a real “plant it and forget it” kind of plant for busy people.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While periwinkle is a fantastic plant, there are a few things to keep in mind before you plant it. Here’s what you should watch out for:

• Aggressive Growth: Be aware that this plant, especially the Vinca major type, can grow very quickly and may spread more than you want.
• Invasive Risk: In some areas, it can escape gardens and grow into lawns or wild areas. It’s a good idea to check local guides to see if it’s considered invasive where you live.
• Containment is Key: If you’re worried about it spreading, you can install a simple plastic or metal border in the ground to keep its roots in one place.
• Choose the Right Type: The easiest way to avoid problems is to stick with Vinca minor, which is much less aggressive and easier to manage.

Final Thoughts

So, is periwinkle a perennial you should add to your garden? For most people, the answer is yes! Just make sure you choose the right kind and the right spot. For a beautiful ground cover that you don’t have to worry about, Vinca minor is a fantastic option. If you love the idea of easy and beautiful plants, then The Bloomerie can help you find all sorts of flowers and greenery.