The charming Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is famous for its lovely violet blooms and can add a fantastic pop of color to any perennial bed. This decorative groundcover isn’t exactly high-maintenance, but there is one big thing to keep in mind: it’s toxic. If you have little ones or pets running around the garden, you might want to think twice before planting this one.
Nutrient Boosts and Fertilizer
Technically, you don’t *have* to fertilize Vinca minor. However, your plants will definitely thank you for a little “starter fuel.” I recommend raking some organic or mineral-organic fertilizer into the soil before planting. Fresh, nutrient-rich soil really helps kickstart those blooms and encourages healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Vinca minor loves a spot in the shade or partial shade, which helps keep the soil from drying out too fast when things heat up. You don’t need to worry about a strict watering schedule unless you’re growing them in pots or containers, or if you’re dealing with a major heatwave. In those cases, give them a good soak up to twice a week as needed.
Pests and Diseases
One of the best things about Dwarf Periwinkle is that it’s incredibly hardy against pests and diseases. You won’t have to fight off slugs, aphids, or mites. Why? Because it belongs to the dogbane family, and its toxicity makes it a very unappealing snack for garden critters (and, as mentioned, it’s toxic to humans too).
To Prune or Not to Prune?
Generally speaking, pruning isn’t a “must” for this plant. Just keep an eye on your spacing. Periwinkle spreads pretty quickly, forming a dense carpet about 8 inches high. If it gets too cozy with your other plants, it might start crowding out smaller bulb flowers. If that happens, feel free to trim it back. Fun fact: Tulips are usually tough enough to poke right through the periwinkle carpet on their own!
Winter Care
Even in the dead of winter, this little plant is a total champ. It doesn’t need to be overwintered indoors, and you usually don’t even need to cover it with mulch or fleece. If you’re worried about a long, deep freeze that lasts through the day, you can toss a few evergreen branches over it for peace of mind. But honestly, this plant is tough as nails. If you have it in pots or containers, a little extra insulation during a hard freeze is a good idea, but otherwise, just sit back and enjoy how easy it is to maintain!
