How To Grow Periwinkle or Vinca Minor | The Ultimate Guide

by Lee Safin

Have you ever wondered what periwinkle actually symoolizes? “Periwinkle flowers symbolise eternal love, slushy memories, serenity, and calmness.”

How to grow Periwinkle or Vinca Minor?

Growing Periwinkle or Vinca Minor flowers requires several tasks to do. You need to ensure proper lighting, healthy and right type of soils, an appropriate amount of water, perfect temperature, humidity level, and also rich-organic fertilizer.

How To Grow Periwinkle or Vinca Minor | The Ultimate Guide
How To Grow Periwinkle or Vinca Minor | The Ultimate Guide

How To Grow Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor?

How To Grow Periwinkle
How To Grow Periwinkle

Very few flowers are as attractive as Periwinkle or Vinca Minor regardless of home gardens or parks. This eye-catchy flower is available in several colors:

  • Pink
  • Purple
  • Blue
  • Pastel pink
  • Yellow, etc.

You can plant these thrive-loving flowers in various areas like on slopes or under trees. Therefore, it gives you scope to adore your beloved garden more beautifully. For that, you must first know how to grow periwinkle or Vinca Minor.

According to several studies, Periwinkle or Vinca Minor flowers mainly originated from Europe. However, after the Roman people brought these beautiful plants to their homes, they spread throughout the European subcontinent. Now, it is a common sight to see Periwinkle or Vinca Minor flowers in different locations.

The process of how to grow periwinkle or Vinca Minor is composed of several steps, which we are mentioning below.

Step 1 – Choose The Perfect Location

Where To Plant Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor
Where To Plant Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor

The best location to plant periwinkle is a partial shade or entirely shade area. But that does not mean you will plant them in a dark zone.

Try to choose a spot where large trees are already there. As a result, the location will be bright enough, but no direct sunlight will come.

Step 2 – Choose The Perfect Soil Type

Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 Qt., Grows Beautiful Houseplants, 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 Qt., Grows Beautiful Houseplants, 2-Pack

You don’t need to worry much about choosing a soil type. Periwinkle strives in various soil types. It is best to choose fresh and high humidity level soil for the best growth. Try to avoid picking compacted and heavy soils as they don’t like this type of soil.

Will Weed Killer Kill Vinca Minor?

Weed is a common issue for vinca minor, which may cause fungus problems and wilt the stems. So, the sooner you get over the weed, the better it is for vinca minor. That’s why many people ask this common question: will weed killer kill vinca minor?

Will weed killer kill vinca minor?

If you use chemical weed killer, it may kill the vinca minor. At worst, it may damage other surrounding plants too, if you don’t be careful while applying the weed killer on the vinca minor. It is best to use weed killers when there is no chance of rain so that they don’t spread to other plants.

Read More – 4 Pro Therapies on How to Get Rid of Weeds Forever.

How To Grow Periwinkle From Seed?

It is a pretty complicated task to sow periwinkle, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Additionally, it isn’t easy to find seeds of periwinkle in most shops.

250 Heavenly Blue Morning Blooming Vine Seeds - Wonderful Climbing Heirloom Vine - Morning Glory Non GMO And Neonicotinoid Seed. Marde Ross & Company
250 Heavenly Blue Morning Blooming Vine Seeds - Wonderful Climbing Heirloom Vine - Morning Glory Non GMO And Neonicotinoid Seed. Marde Ross & Company

If you are wondering how to grow periwinkle from seed, you need to follow these steps.

Step 1 – Collect Jiffy Pots

Jiffy Jp322 3 Jiffy Pots 3 22 Count
Jiffy Jp322 3 Jiffy Pots 3 22 Count

Collect some biodegradable containers such as jiffy pots to sow the seeds. Take a large-size pot and keep all jiffy pots inside it. Add some water to the jiffy pots to expand their size.

Step 2 – Keep the Bloated Peat

After that, keep the bloated peat in the containers. The size should be around six centimeters.

Step 3 – Disseminate The Seeds

Now, disseminate the seeds onto the peak and hide them with about two millimeters of the substrate. Keep every pot separately in a zip-fastener and add some water too.

Step 4 – Close The Bag

Ziploc Storage Bags, Double Zipper Seal & Expandable Bottom, Large, 5 Count, Big Bag
Ziploc Storage Bags, Double Zipper Seal & Expandable Bottom, Large, 5 Count, Big Bag

Shut down the bag and keep it on a window ledge or window bottom. In case any ziplock bags are not found, you can sow the seeds below the glass.

So, these are all the steps you want to follow if you want to enquire how to grow periwinkle from seed. Knowing how to grow periwinkle from seed will help you develop the seedlings ideally in a favorable environment.

You can grow them in your house with the help of a grow bag. To get the best grow bag, check our latest article.

How To Cultivate Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor?

How To Cultivate Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor?
How To Cultivate Periwinkle Or Vinca Minor?

Do you know what the best time for germination of periwinkle is?

You will choose a day condition when the temperature is around 24-28 degrees or at night when it is approximately 20-24 degrees.

Pricking can be done for the young plants when they pass 4-6 weeks. You must keep at least 2-3 centimeters in the distance between the plants while pricking.

When late May comes around, you are free to plant the tiny creatures in a bed. But ensure you have given the best favorable growth environment to convert the seeds into little plants. Unfortunately, we often failed to do that, which is why not all seeds converted to small natural plants.

How To Plant Periwinkle Properly?

How To Plant Periwinkle Properly?
How To Plant Periwinkle Properly?

So, which season is the most appropriate time for planting periwinkle? It is spring.

Step 1 – Clear The Weeds

No products found.

No products found.

First of all, you will eliminate all the current weeds from the spot you want to plant the flower.

Step 2 – Add Fertilizer

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 3 Lb
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 3 Lb

Then, loosen the soil properly to ensure fast and protective growth for the tiny roots. Adding some substantially decomposed garden compost will make the soil more healthy and fertile.

Step 3 – Plant The Tiny Young Plant

Next, make a hole in your preferred spot and plant the tiny young plant cautiously after separating the root ball from the pot. After putting the root ball inside the hole carefully, fill the gap and its surrounding area with the soil.

Step 4 – Irrigate Properly

Kegemor Garden Hose 100ft ,Flexible Lightweight Water Hose With 9 Way Nozzle,Durable 4-layer Latex Core,3/4inch Solid Brass,Easy Store No Kink Leakproof Yard Outdoor Pipe
Kegemor Garden Hose 100ft ,Flexible Lightweight Water Hose With 9 Way Nozzle,Durable 4-layer Latex Core,3/4inch Solid Brass,Easy Store No Kink Leakproof Yard Outdoor Pipe

Water the plants thoroughly to make them a little bit moist. If necessary, add some extra soil to the plant root without overdoing it.

What Should Be Ideal Distance Between Two Periwinkle Plants?

Keeping an appropriate distance between two periwinkle plants ensures the best possible growth and encourages them to have a magnificent bloom.

For instance, if you are fond of greenish surroundings, you can plant 10-12 plants per square meter. However, if you don’t want to overcrowd them, you can go for 5-6 plants.

How To Replant Periwinkle?

Many new gardeners think they can’t re-grow periwinkle from the old plants. But it is possible when you follow the correct method.

  • First of all, put out the old plant from the soil.
  • You can use a garden tool such as a shovel to remove it.
  • Throw off the attached soil from the root area.
  • If you notice any damaged or rotten roots, cut them using a pruner.
  • Now, move it to your new desired spot where you want to plant it.
  • You will notice similar growth like a new plant, and ultimately the flowers will also come soon too.

How To Grow Periwinkle From Cuttings?

How To Grow Periwinkle From Cuttings?
How To Grow Periwinkle From Cuttings?

Periwinkle thrives well when you ensure the best conditions for growth—wondering how to grow periwinkle from cuttings?

For that, you want to implement softwood cuttings from your Periwinkle plants. In this method, you will take a piece of a plant stem from the plant.

Before knowing how to grow periwinkle from cuttings, you need to provide all the possible care for the Periwinkle plant.

It includes providing them a sufficient amount of water regularly, preventing any pest attacking them, keeping them from drought, etc.

So why you so care about your plant before cuttings? It is because only cuttings will give healthy plants.

Here are steps you should follow for the method on how to grow periwinkle from cuttings:

Step 1 – Collect a Stem

Fiskars Gardening Tools: Bypass Pruning Shears, Sharp Precision-ground Steel Blade, 5.5” Plant Clippers (91095935J)
Fiskars Gardening Tools: Bypass Pruning Shears, Sharp Precision-ground Steel Blade, 5.5” Plant Clippers (91095935J)

Try to collect a stem from a fresh spot where no flowers have still come, but you can notice some tiny leaves. The growing season is the best time to collect cuttings from periwinkle. You can do it in May, June or July. Use a disinfected pruning shears to cut the softwood; it should be around 4-6 inches in length. If the cuttings have any leaves on the bottom parts, clip off them with a clean pruner.

Step 2 – Fill Part of It With a Brown Deposit

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel, 100 Ml
HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel, 100 Ml

Now keep the one-third portion of the cutting in rooting hormone. Afterward, take a small container and fill part of it with a brown deposit resembling soil and another part with perlite. Make sure the container has a free flow of water to avoid the soggy issue.

Step 3 – Irrigate Properly

Watering Can Indoor, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Succulents And Flowers, Long Spout, 1 Liter, With Bonus Plant Mister Spray Bottle
Watering Can Indoor, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Succulents And Flowers, Long Spout, 1 Liter, With Bonus Plant Mister Spray Bottle

In order to make the cutting slightly wet, water it slightly. Keeping the cutting in an enclosed spot will be the best solution for proper growth and make it muggy. In that case, fresh plastic or an aquarium is a great option to consider. Spray a few amounts of water inside the container every day.

Step 4 – Ensure Sunlight

After that, let it have full indirect sunshine in its body from your window or veranda.

Step 5 – Place it In a Large Pot

Mkono Plant Stand Mid Century Wood Flower Pot Holder (Plant Pot NOT Included) Modern Potted Stand Indoor Display Rack Rustic Decor, Up To 12 Inch Planter, Dark Brown
Mkono Plant Stand Mid Century Wood Flower Pot Holder (Plant Pot NOT Included) Modern Potted Stand Indoor Display Rack Rustic Decor, Up To 12 Inch Planter, Dark Brown

Once the cutting starts to grow, place it in a large pot for 2-2.5 months. You should only transplant it in your garden when the growing season comes.

So, these are all steps you need to follow when you want to know how to grow periwinkle from cuttings.

You can grow them in your house with the help of a grow bag. To get the best grow bag, check our latest article.

How To Grow Periwinkle In A Pot?

Growing periwinkle in pots is hassle-free, but that does not mean it is care-free. However, minimal care is required to ensure the best healthy growth.

The first thing you should focus on is location when you want to know how to grow periwinkle in a pot. Choosing the right place affects how your plant will thrive in that condition.

As per the Missouri Botanical Garden suggestion, it is best to keep the container in a position where full sunlight or at least partial sunlight comes. Also, you want to ensure full shade conditions during the summer season.

How To Grow Periwinkle In A Pot?
How To Grow Periwinkle In A Pot?

When you want to learn how to grow periwinkle in a pot, one of the most important things you should consider is the good drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

You can plant a single periwinkle in each container if it is a medium-sized pot. If the container is pretty extensive, it is permissible to grow several plants too. But sure to keep at least 8 inches gap between two plants.

Another crucial is choosing the right type of soil as part of how to grow periwinkle in a pot. According to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, commercial potting soil is one of the best soils for growing periwinkle pots.

Here are some extra tips on how to grow periwinkle in a pot:

  1. Continuously monitor the growth of periwinkles in containers as their root may contact the soil even if after keeping in containers.
  2. Regularly prune the vines using a disinfected pruner.
  3. Make sure to keep to the plant during the heavy foggy weather to protect it.
  4. Watering them is necessary, but this drought-tolerant does not need extra water. Water them only when they become dehydrated. Overwatering will cause root rot and other diseases. We recommend this bottle and sprayer to hydrate your plant.
  5. A 15-30-15 water-soluble fertilizer could be given with two weeks gap if you started growing the plant during the summer.
  6. If the periwinkle plant grows excessively, you want to replant it into a large for free growth.
  7. Excessive growth abnormally can be cut down to get a perfect structure for the plant.

So, these are the crucial points and bonus tips you should remember while thinking of knowing how to grow periwinkle in a pot.

How To Plant Vinca Minor Bare Root?

Have you ever wondered how to plant vinca minor bare root? Vinca minor is often known as a low-growing plant as it prevents weeds from growing excessively.

How To Plant Vinca Minor Bare Root?
How To Plant Vinca Minor Bare Root?

When the early spring comes, you can propagate the larger plant by dividing it. This will lead to small vinca with bare roots.

Here are the steps you want to follow to learn about how to plant vinca minor bare root.

Step 1 – Water The Bare Root

Water the bare root vinca minors by using a spray and keep them in a shady area. Make sure to keep the planting spots during the spring. If you notice the stems and leaves start to limp, spray their water to make them lively and fresh.

Step 2 – Make a Big Hole

Rhino USA Survival Shovel W/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool For Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow. (Survival Shovel)
Rhino USA Survival Shovel W/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool For Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow. (Survival Shovel)

Make a big hole with a shovel. Experts recommend keeping around 12-18 inches depth for the hole. Choose healthy and well-drained soil. Loosen the soil and separate the weeds from the mixture. You can use well-rotten compost with the soil to make it more fertile for the plant. The wide of the hole should be around 3-4 inches so that it can grow free during the growing season.

Step 3 – Put In The Soil Root Inside

Put in the soil root inside the hole carefully and fill up the gap with the soil. Make sure to level the surface and then apply 1-inch of mulching close to the root area.

Step 4 – Irrigate Properly

Watering Can Indoor, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Succulents And Flowers, Long Spout, 1 Liter, With Bonus Plant Mister Spray Bottle
Watering Can Indoor, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Succulents And Flowers, Long Spout, 1 Liter, With Bonus Plant Mister Spray Bottle

Water the root area thoroughly up to 4 inches depth if there is no sign of rain. It will ensure optimum growth for the vinca minors.

So, you will follow this step-by-step method when you want to know how to plant vinca minor bare root.

You can grow them in your house with the help of a grow bag. To get the best grow bag, check our latest article.

How To Grow Vinca Minor From Seed?

Are you curious about knowing how to grow vinca minor from seed? It is pretty easy to grow vinca minor from seed. You will sow the seed first indoors, transplant them outside after winter, or plant them in containers.

Knowing how to grow vinca minor from seed will help you raise the plants in the best manner. As it often not possible to seedlings from each seed, it is essential to take care of appropriately. In addition, it will help you to get as many seedlings as possible from seeds.

Here are few points you want to give more attention to on how to grow vinca minor from seed.

  • Find out the last frost date and sow the seeds before 12-15 weeks of it.
  • Follow seed-starting formula while sowing the seed indoors.
  • Avoid overwater the seeds as they are pretty sensitive. So slightly water them with a spray.
  • Most seeds take approximately 14-21 days to become seedlings.
  • When the seedlings emerge, you want to place them in a place where sunlight can come through the window.
  • If the natural lighting is not available, you can go for artificial lighting, especially at night.
  • Avoid choosing too few containers as it may prevent their total potential growth.
  • Before finally planting the seedlings in the garden, you want to ‘harden off’ so that they don’t struggle to grow for sudden transplant.
  • Keep them outside with their pots outside every day for a few years.
  • Gradually, increase the time of staying in the outdoor environment.
  • Then plant them according as we mentioned earlier.

Will Weed Killer Kill Vinca Minor?

Weed is a common issue for vinca minor, which may cause fungus problems and wilt the stems. So, the sooner you get over the weed, the better it is for vinca minor. That’s why many people ask this common question: will weed killer kill vinca minor?

Will weed killer kill vinca minor?

If you use chemical weed killer, it may kill the vinca minor. At worst, it may damage other surrounding plants too, if you don’t be careful while applying the weed killer on the vinca minor. It is best to use weed killers when there is no chance of rain so that they don’t spread to other plants.

How To Kill Weeds In Periwinkle?

Are you wondering how to kill weeds in periwinkle? A lot of solutions are available in the market to weeds in periwinkle. But not all are effective. In fact, some may cause extra damage to the surrounding plants.

How to kill weeds in periwinkle?

It is best to choose an organic solution to kill weeds in periwinkle. If you don’t find any natural solution, try to select at least a least chemical-based product. That’s why many garden experts suggest using painted glyphosate application, which is an herbicide-type product.

Additionally, some people succeed by using Triclopyr mixed with mineral oil, which is a natural solution. But the problem is that it is time-consuming.

Liquid Harvest Surfactant For Herbicides Non-Ionic 32oz, Increase Product Coverage, Increase Product Penetration, Increase Product Effectiveness
Liquid Harvest Surfactant For Herbicides Non-Ionic 32oz, Increase Product Coverage, Increase Product Penetration, Increase Product Effectiveness

You need to apply the solution several times repeatedly. Plus, it is impossible to eliminate weeds in periwinkle with just one season by using this solution.

Watering Can Indoor 34oz, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Flowers, Succulents, With Plant Mister Spray Bottle 16oz (Green)
Watering Can Indoor 34oz, Small Watering Cans For House Plants, Flowers, Succulents, With Plant Mister Spray Bottle 16oz (Green)

It will take at least two or more seasons to eliminate the weeds due to their robustness and perseverance.

So, you have options to choose both organic and chemical solutions on how to kill weeds in periwinkle.

How To Grow Periwinkle Indoors?

Growing periwinkle indoors requires a little bit of extra care. After all, the outside environment and indoor environment are not similar.

How to grow periwinkle indoors?

Though growing periwinkle is a little bit messy, it is not entirely different, unlike outside environments. But there are some exceptions to that. For example, if the periwinkle plant looks healthy and is growing perfectly, use warm water for watering instead of normal temperature water. Additionally, you can also use lime-free water (zero water hardness) occasionally.

Furthermore, when the spring season comes, you need to feed the plant healthy and fertile fertilizers every two weeks and continue doing it till fall. However, stop feeding them any fertilizer during the winter season.

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 3 Lb
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 3 Lb

How To Plant Vinca Minor Ground Cover?

Are you wondering how to plant vinca minor ground cover? Vinca Minors are super hardy plants that can grow in different sunlight and weather conditions. In addition, this plant has attractive flowers, making your garden appearance more appealing. Vinca Minors can grow up to 12 inches in height and 18 inches in width as per their varieties.

How to plant vinca minor ground cover?

Planting vinca minor ground cover is as same as periwinkle. Keep at least 12 inches distance between two plants as this plant multiplies. It is best to transplant them in spring or early fall. It is because they may not get enough nutrition to stay in one spot for a long time. Ensure water a little bit more for the first 8-10 weeks to make the root strong after transplanting.  

What Spray Kills Periwinkle?

Gardeners often want to kill periwinkle due to their aggressive behaviors. They cause root masses by spreading under the soil for few feet. It hampers further plant growth. This is why often many gardeners want to know what spray kills periwinkle.

What spray kills periwinkle?

According to many gardeners, though hundreds of herbicide solutions are available in the market, the painted glyphosate application is the best one. They used this solution to deal with periwinkle and got quick and effective results.

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Natural And Organic | 1 Gallon Spray | Glyphosate Free Herbicide
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Natural And Organic | 1 Gallon Spray | Glyphosate Free Herbicide

Does Roundup Work On Vinca?

Roundup is one of the most effective solutions to kills weeds and certain types of grasses. This solution includes an active ingredient named glyphosate, which can control the growth of the green plant.

Does Roundup work on vinca?

No, Roundup will not work on vinca. In fact, R. Schonholz, an environmental consultant for Larry Seeman and Associates, suggested not using this solution to control vinca. It will not help you deal with vinca because of the waxy cuticle of the leaves, making chemical discernment complex.

Additionally, the maker of Roundup also didn’t give a positive sign on killing or control vinca with this solution.

Different Types Of Vinca Minor Varieties

Vinca Minor Varieties Flower Color
Variegata Blue flowers
Flore Pleno Purple flowers
Bowlesii Dark blue flowers
Alba Tiny, white flowers
Atropurpurea Dark purple flowers

What Types Of Problems Vinca Minor May Face?

Though vinca minor is a super-hardy plant, it can still get affected by different types of diseases. In addition, this beautiful flower plant doesn’t prefer humid, wet conditions.

Root Rot & Canker

If the soil is excessively wet, it has a chance to have root rot. Over wet conditions may also cause canker issues, which mainly occur due to fungi and bacteria.

In order to deal with this disease, you can use soil amendments for better soil drainage systems and throw out affected plants.

Botrytis Blight

Another common disease you may notice in vinca minor is botrytis blight, which is a fungal disease. Again, it mostly happens due to cold, moist climates.

When vinca minor gets affected by this disease, you will notice its flowers have brown spots and grow abnormally.

Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide - Fungus Control, Fast Acting, Treats Up To 5,000 Sq. Ft., 10 Lb.
Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide - Fungus Control, Fast Acting, Treats Up To 5,000 Sq. Ft., 10 Lb.

The best solution to deal with this problem is using an effective fungicide like sulfur or copper. However, it is better to take protective measures so that your plants are not affected by this disease.

To treat this issue, you can take these protective measures:

Serial No. Action You Should Take
1 Don't plant them too closely
2 Trim down the mature plants regularly
3 Implement drip system to drip slowly
4 Get rid of dead or affected plants quickly

Leaf Spots & Aster Yellows

Another disease you can notice is leaf spots where the plant leaves become discolored. It also occurs due to bacterial growth from one plant to another.

To treat this issue, you always want to keep the plant area clean, water them regularly, and ensure the right level of airflow between the plants.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now know how to grow Periwinkle or Vinca Minor. We have a ton of precise details in several steps to make everything clear. Additionally, we have included several ways to grow these flowers so that you can choose any of your preferred addition. No matter which type of method you follow, don’t forget to take care of them properly. Happy Gardening!

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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this bottle and sprayer - Etsy, eBay

fungicide like sulfur or copper - Etsy, eBay

About Lee Safin

Lee Safin was born near Sacramento, California on a prune growing farm. His parents were immigrants from Russia who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. They were determined to give their children a better life than they had known. Education was the key for Lee and his siblings, so they could make their own way in the world. Lee attended five universities, where he studied plant sciences and soil technologies. He also has many years of experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer formulator.

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