Periwinkle Flower: Facts, Growth, Maintenance, and Uses

The periwinkle plant (scientific name: Vinca or Catharanthus), also known as the common periwinkle, is a beautiful and delicate plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. This hardy plant is known for its bright blue or violet flowers, which bloom from spring to fall, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. In addition to its beauty, the periwinkle flower is also steeped in symbolism. The colour blue is sometimes associated with sadness, mourning, and remembrance, and the periwinkle flower is no exception.

In many cultures, the periwinkle flower is seen as a symbol of hope and comfort, especially in times of loss or grief. For example, in Victorian times, the periwinkle was often given as a gesture of sympathy to someone who had lost a loved one. The blue flowers were seen as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there will always be hope and a reason to keep going. This tradition has continued to this day, and the periwinkle flower is still a popular choice for funeral and memorial arrangements.

In addition to its symbolic significance, the periwinkle flower also has a number of medicinal uses. The plant contains a compound called vinpocetine, which has been used to treat conditions such as memory loss, depression, and headaches. The periwinkle plant is also used in traditional medicine to deal with a variety of ailments, including asthma, eczema, and diarrhoea.

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See also: Pilea microphylla: Tips to grow and maintain

Periwinkle: Facts

Periwinkle: Physical description

Here is a physical description of periwinkles:

• Leaves: Opposite, elliptic to obovate, dark green
• Flowers: Five-petaled, blue, pink, purple, or white, star-shaped
• Stem: Herbaceous, upright or trailing
• Height: 6-18 inches (15-45 cm)
• Spread: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
• Root system: Fibrous roots or shallow roots
• Texture: Medium to fine texture
• Foliage: Evergreen or semi-evergreen
• Growth habit: Upright or trailing, spreading
• Flowers: Small, star-shaped, borne in clusters or terminal racemes
• Bloom time: Continuously throughout the growing season

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Periwinkle: How to plant and grow?

1. Propagation: Periwinkles can be propagated by cuttings, seeds, or division. Cuttings taken in spring or summer will root easily and quickly.
2. Choose the right location: Periwinkle is a hardy plant that can develop in a variety of conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade. If you’re planting periwinkle in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, be sure to provide a little shade during the hottest part of the day to protect the plant from heat stress.
3. Prepare the soil: Periwinkle prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulphur to lower the pH. Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or grass. If the soil is heavy clay, you can add compost or sand to improve the drainage.
4. Planting: Periwinkle can be planted from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. If you’re planting from seeds, start them indoors in the winter and transplant them outside in the spring. If you’re planting from cuttings or divisions, you can plant them directly in the garden in the spring. Plant periwinkle about 12 inches apart, with the roots slightly below the surface of the soil.
5. Watering: Periwinkle is a hardy plant that can tolerate periods of drought, but it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Water your periwinkle once a week and more frequently during periods of hot or dry weather.
6. Fertilising: Periwinkle does not require a lot of fertiliser, but a slow-release fertiliser can help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Apply fertiliser once a month during the growing season, following the instructions on the package.

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Periwinkle: Care tips

Here are some tips for growing periwinkles:

• Light: Periwinkles prefer full shade to partial shade but can tolerate some sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
• Soil: They prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Water: Water regularly, and do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Periwinkles are fairly drought tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise periwinkles regularly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Pruning: Periwinkle can grow quite tall and leggy, especially in areas with bright sun. Prune the plant back in the spring to promote bushier growth and encourage more flowers.
• Pests and diseases: Periwinkles are generally hardy and free from major pest and disease problems. However, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too moist and poorly drained.

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Periwinkle: Uses

Periwinkles have a variety of uses, including:

1. Ornamental: Periwinkles are often grown for their attractive blue, pink, purple, or white flowers, which bloom continuously throughout the growing season. They are often used as ground covers, edging plants, or in container gardens.
2. Medicinal: The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
3. Soil erosion control: Periwinkles are used in landscaping and gardening to control soil erosion due to their ability to spread and form a dense mat of foliage.
4. Invasive species control: In some areas, periwinkles can become invasive and cause problems by outcompeting native plant species. In these situations, periwinkles can be used for controlling erosion on slopes and in other areas where vegetation is difficult to establish.
5. Cut flowers: Periwinkles can also be used as cut flowers for floral arrangements.

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Periwinkle: Toxicity

The periwinkle plant (Vinca minor) is generally considered toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large amounts. The plant contains a group of alkaloids known as vinca alkaloids, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death if consumed in high enough quantities. It is important to note that periwinkles are not highly toxic and are considered to be of low to moderate toxicity. However, it is still recommended to keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

In addition to its toxicity, the periwinkle plant can also be a nosy species in some areas, spreading quickly and crowding out native plants. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the impact of planting periwinkles in a garden or landscape.

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