Periwinkle – A Perpetual Flower That Can Bloom Throughout the Year
Mr Devotor
Periwinkle is also called “Myrtle”. This popular ground cover is about six inches tall. It sends out runners over the soil surface that root where they touch the ground. The handsome, dark green leaves are about an inch long. it is an April blooming flower a cheerful blue. You can find varieties that are white or purple, but most people like the old-fashioned “Periwinkle blue” the best.
There are also some varieties with variegated leaves. It is probably the best all-purpose ground cover around and is hardy to at least Zone 5. Though the plant is said to be native to the West Indies, it first was described in Madagascar. The periwinkle is a perpetual herb with flowers that can bloom throughout the year, but heavily depending on the climate.
How to Grow Periwinkle?
You can grow periwinkle in sun or shade, though some shade is preferable, especially in hot climates. Although it is not fussy about soils and will grow even in poor ones. It likes soil that is moist and slightly acidic. I value it for its rather open growth habit, which allows me to interplant it with spring bulbs, but it can be sheared to promote denser growth.
Periwinkle is also called “Myrtle”. This popular ground cover is about six inches tall.
