Periwinkle As a Ground Cover

Periwinkle is a common groundcover.

Common periwinkle, also known as Vinca minor and creeping myrtle, is an evergreen ground cover native to Europe and Asia. It is suited to both sunny and shady areas throughout most of the United States and lower Canada. It is a finely textured vine that is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 10. South of Zone 7 it should be used only in the shade. The stems root into the soil as they trail along, providing quick coverage for large areas. Early spring flowers are blue or white. Do not confuse it with the annual Vinca used in sunny flower beds and containers.

Varieties

In addition to the species, labeled Vinca minor or periwinkle, you can find other varieties in garden centers in the spring and fall. "Bowles" is the most commonly seen periwinkle, with intense purple-blue flowers and large leaves; "Bowles White" has white flowers. Vinca minor "Alba" also has white flowers, but finer leaves. "Variegata" (identical to "Elegantissima") has blue flowers and leaves marked with white. Yellow blotched varieties include "Aureomaculata" with blue flowers and "Albo-variegata" with white flowers.

Uses

Use periwinkle instead of lawn grass wherever grass is difficult to grow or maintain. It can tolerate light foot traffic. It is excellent on slopes and at the base of trees, or in beds in shady areas. It is a good alternative to mulch under shrubs, as its dense growth habit inhibits weeds. It makes a nice backdrop for spring bulbs, since many of them, especially daffodils, bloom at the same time in early spring and the periwinkle camouflages fading bulb foliage. Plant alongside larger-leaved ground covers, like ivy or pachysandra, to create interesting textural interest.

Soil and Site Requirements

Periwinkle grows best in light shade and moist, well-drained soil, but it can adapt to a wide variety of sites once established. It can take sun in northern areas. Be sure to give it good air circulation and drainage, as too-wet soil can cause root rot or fungal diseases. It tolerates a wide range of pH levels and soil fertility. Flowering can be sparse in deep shade, such as under pine trees. In hot, dry areas like the American Southwest, do not grow in the sun, since leaves will yellow and growth is stunted even with adequate moisture.

Planting

You will most commonly find periwinkle sold as rooted cuttings in flats rather than in individual pots. It is widely available in garden centers in spring and fall. Plant 12 inches apart in moist, well-drained soil and mulch lightly the first year. Fertilize with an all-purpose garden fertilizer. Keep soil moist during the first year to encourage rapid coverage. No special care is needed in winter.

On-going Care

Once established, periwinkle needs little attention. Feed lightly with all-purpose garden fertilizer in the spring. If foliage browns during harsh winters, trim the bed with lawn mower blades set high enough to take off just the tops of the plants. Watering is usually only necessary for established beds during extended droughts, although beds in sunny areas may need occasional watering in very hot weather. Divide in spring or propagate from stem cuttings at any time.

References

• Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science: Plantlist: Vinca minor
• North Carolina State University: Consumer Horticulture: Plant Fact Sheets: Vinca minor
• "Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening: Lawns and Ground Covers"; James Underwood Crocket; 1979
• "All About Ground Covers"; Editor, Nancy Arbuckle, Ortho Books; 1993

Resources

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plant Fact Sheet: Common Periwinkle