- In this way, escalating stocks are properly contained
- Sometimes brute force methods can also be used
- When pruning, also think about propagation
With the different varieties of the evergreens Vinca major and Vinca minor, pruning is not absolutely necessary, after all, these plants form a pretty green carpet in nature even without special care measures. With targeted cultivation in your own garden, pruning can make sense for various reasons.
If the growth of the periwinkle gets out of hand, it can be cut back without any problems
In this way, escalating stocks are properly contained
In a suitable location with enough nutrients and moisture, the periwinkle can show impressive growth. Therefore, think carefully about where in the garden you want to plant the periwinkle. In any case, keep to the planting distance recommended for the respective subspecies when planting. It can become problematic in the following places in the garden:
- at lawn edges
- next to the patio pavement
- for overgrown garden paths made of stepping stones
- on natural stone walls and stone stairs
In the case of acutely sprawling evergreen stocks, it is not a problem to cut back with lawn shears or the garden trimmer at any time.
Sometimes brute force methods can also be used
The area-wide pruning of the periwinkle should - if at all - take place in March, so that the plants can then sprout again quickly and recover. Sometimes such a pruning can be useful in order to achieve an improved stocking density with densely branched individual plants. So that this work does not get out of hand, it is even possible to cut back with the lawn mower on very level surfaces with relatively dense soil. However, you should adjust the cutting height so that the dormant buds and the branches of the periwinkle close to the ground are not injured.
When pruning, also think about propagation
If the periwinkle is not cut back with a lawnmower, but by hand, you can also use the removed parts of the plant for the propagation of cuttings. Cuttings with at least one or two pairs of leaves usually root very quickly and can be used to close gaps in the green carpet.
tips
It should not be overlooked that Lesser Periwinkle is not entirely non-toxic. Therefore, do not leave pets and small children unsupervised near this ground cover.