The periwinkle belongs to the dogbane family and should therefore only be planted in your own garden if it does not pose a danger to small children and pets. The periwinkle owes its popularity particularly to its shade tolerance and the decorative flowers in front of the contrast of the evergreen leaves.

The periwinkle thrives best in partial shade

Possibilities of use in garden design

The periwinkle is a creeping subshrub, with the small-leaved periwinkle Vinca minor remaining significantly lower than its taller relative Vinca major. The periwinkle can be used to green bed borders and stone walls, but can also be used to create a green carpet as a lawn substitute in shady parts of the garden.

Provide suitable growing conditions for periwinkle in the garden

In nature, the evergreen spreads well, especially in locations in loose deciduous and mixed forests. Today, its range extends from southern and central Europe to Asia Minor. In terms of climate, the periwinkle prefers rather mild locations all year round, but Vinca minor also copes well with extreme winter frosts. The ideal location for the periwinkle offers the following conditions:

  • preferably in partial shade
  • relatively humic and loose soil
  • constant soil moisture (but no waterlogging due to frequent watering)
  • occasional fertilization with deposited compost

tips

Since long-distance spread of periwinkles occurs almost exclusively through human intervention, locations in the forest for this so-called "Burggarten refugee" can be an indication of settlement in Roman times or during the Middle Ages.

Category:

Herbs