When to Plant Vinca?

What is periwinkle and why is it such a great choice for your garden?

Periwinkle, known in Latin as Vinca minor or Vinca major, is a popular groundcover that is both evergreen and relatively easy to care for. The plant boasts charming purple, blue, or white flowers and glossy green leaves. Thanks to its creeping habit and dense foliage, it naturally suppresses weed growth and provides a neat, full garden canopy.

The great thing about periwinkle? It thrives in challenging locations—think shady areas under trees or shrubs where few other plants thrive. It's also a winner for those who don't feel like working in the garden every week: once established, it requires minimal care.

When to plant periwinkle in open ground or a greenhouse?

The best time to plant periwinkle is in spring, from March to May, or in autumn, from September to the end of October. The soil is still warm enough then for root growth to develop properly. Ideally, choose a cloudy or rainy day for planting, so the young plant doesn't dry out too quickly and has the best chance of establishing.

In open ground, you can plant the periwinkle directly in loose, well-drained soil. Loosen the soil slightly with a rake and, if necessary, add compost or potting soil, for example, from our potting soil collection , for better structure. Plant the young cuttings about 30 cm apart and water them thoroughly immediately.

If you have a greenhouse or covered space, you can start periwinkle a little earlier, for example, starting in February. Just make sure the plants get enough light but are protected from excessive sunlight. A greenhouse accelerates growth, but check the humidity regularly to prevent mold. If necessary, use our Jungle Mist spray to keep your plants healthy in a humid environment.

Choosing a location: sun, shade or something in between?

Periwinkle is known as a shade plant, but it also thrives in partial shade or even full sun, as long as the soil doesn't dry out. In full sun, it will remain somewhat more compact, and the flowers may wilt a little faster in warm temperatures. In a shady spot, it will stay fresh longer.

The wine-red or white flower varieties add a lovely accent to darker areas of your garden. Want more color? Combine them with other shade plants like Caladium or Asplenium Parvati for a wintery green accent.

What kind of soil does periwinkle need?

This plant doesn't have many soil requirements, but it prefers a nutrient-rich, calcareous soil that retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged. Additives like perlite can help improve drainage, especially in clayey soils.

When planting, you can mix some worm castings or compost into the topsoil. This will stimulate root growth right from the start. On sandy soil, you can add some extra organic fertilizer to prevent leaching during rain.

How do you care for periwinkle after planting?

After planting, it's best to water regularly, especially during dry spells in the first two months. Once the plant is well-established, it will largely take care of itself. In summer, you only need to intervene during prolonged droughts.

Pruning isn't strictly necessary, but if you want to maintain a neat line or limit spreading, you can prune back a little in spring (March-April). Use clean pruning shears and cut off the shoots just above the leaves.

You can safely leave fallen or yellow leaves where they are – they form a natural mulch and protect the soil from drought. You can also make your garden look extra beautiful with a matching flowerpot if you want to grow a piece of periwinkle in a container or along the patio.

Can we combine periwinkle with other plants?

Absolutely! Periwinkle forms a beautiful carpet under taller shrubs and perennials. Consider a hydrangea or a striking Strelitzia for some added height and color.

As a groundcover, periwinkle can also be planted alongside other low-growing plants such as mosaic plants or pancake plants in a shady indoor garden setting or planter. However, be mindful of the water requirements of your combinations. Try to choose plants with similar moisture needs.

For those new to the plant world and prefer to start small, there are also easy alternatives to be found through our beginner-friendly collection .

And what about periwinkle as a hanging plant or in containers?

Yes, that's perfectly possible. Vinca minor, in particular, thrives in a hanging basket or large planter where it can grow over the edge. This creates a cascading effect of greenery and color. Ensure spacious containers with a well-finished base and add a layer of hydroponic clays at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

For extra support, it's best to choose a nutrient-rich potting soil, such as aroid potting soil , which retains moisture without becoming too wet. On the balcony? Then a flower box subscription is also a smart option for easy seasonal care.

In summary: your ideal planting time for periwinkle

Choose a cloudy or rainy day between March and May or September and October to plant periwinkle. Plant in the open ground or start a little earlier in a sheltered greenhouse. Provide loose, fertile soil with sufficient moisture, and be generous with water during the rooting phase.

Want more tips on when to plant garden plants? Be sure to check out our other blogs, such as when to plant ground cover, for more inspiration. Happy planting!