How to Garden With a Periwinkle

Of the 12 species of periwinkle -- also called vinca or myrtle -- two, Vinca minor and Vinca major, are commonly used ground-cover plants. Vinca minor has blue, purple and white flowers and reaches about 6 inches tall. Vinca major has blue funnel-shaped flowers and reaches 2 feet in height while being more aggressive than Vinca minor. Periwinkle is hardy to the U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 8 so it grows well throughout most of the U.S. Both types of periwinkle are evergreen and make good choices for certain garden needs.

Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Plant periwinkle as a ground cover in a shady flowerbed. Dig holes as deep as the periwinkle's root balls and twice as wide. Space the holes about 6 to 8 inches apart. Place the periwinkle plants into the holes and fill the holes with soil.
- 2
  Use periwinkle in a garden box or a container set in a shady or partially shady location in your garden. Periwinkle does best in a protected location. The vines from the periwinkle will hang over the side of the box or container.
- 3
  Set periwinkle transplants around the base of trees or shrubs. They will grow well around the base of the tree or shrubs and give your garden a forest feel.
- 4
  Plant the periwinkle on the sides of slopes to keep the soil from eroding.

Will Wisteria Vine Kill Live Oaks?

Can I Grow Ivy From Seeds?

Groundcovers & Vines