Periwinkle as a Ground Cover

With its trailing growth habit, periwinkle (Vinca and Catharanthus species) is a low-growing ground cover. Periwinkle species in the Vinca genus provide fast-growing, evergreen cover with flowers in spring. The Catharanthus periwinkle offers a longer bloom time and less-aggressive growth.

The common periwinkle (Vinca minor) is perennial, or hardy, in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. This evergreen vine grows about 4 to 6 inches tall and spreads indefinitely. It leaves are glossy, green and measure 1/2 to 2 inches long. The plant has purple-blue flowers in spring and sometimes blooms again in fall. Many cultivars of common periwinkle are available.

'Alba' (Vinca minor 'Alba') and 'Jekyll's White' (Vinca minor 'Jekyll's White') have white flowers and green leaves.

'Alboplena' (Vinca minor 'Alboplena') and 'Flore Pleno' (Vinca minor 'Flore Pleno') have double flowers. 'Alboplena' flowers are white, and 'Flore Pleno' flowers are purple.

'Bowles Variety' (Vinca minor 'Bowles Variety') has blue flowers and green leaves, and grows in clumps instead of as a vine.

'Sterling Silver' (Vinca minor 'Sterling Silver') has dark blue flowers and white edges on its leaves.

'Variegata' (Vinca minor 'Veriegata') has blue flowers, and its leaves are variegated with yellow.

Large periwinkle (Vinca major) is hardy in USDA zones 6b through 9. It spreads very rapidly and can form mounds up to 2 feet tall. Its leaves are larger than those of common periwinkle, measuring up to 3 inches long. It has blue flowers in spring and sporadically throughout summer. Several cultivars are available.

'Alba' (Vinca major 'Alba') has white flowers and green leaves.

'Pubescens' (Vinca major 'Pubescens') has reddish purple, slender-petaled flowers, and its leaves have a hairy texture.

'Reticulata' (Vinca major 'Reticulata') has green foliage featuring yellow streaks.

'Variegata' (Vinca major 'Variegata') has blue flowers and light-colored spots on its leaves.

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus, formerly Vinca rosea and Vinca multiflora) is hardy in USDA zones 9b through 11. It can be used as an annual in cooler zones. It grows as either an upright, bushy plant or a trailing ground cover vine; the height varies by cultivar. Madagascar periwinkle leaves are glossy and green. The plant's flowers appear from mid-spring through mid-fall and are shades of white, pink or red, depending on the cultivar.

'Carpet' Series (Catharanthus roseus 'Carpet' Series) plants grow 3 to 4 inches tall and spread 2 feet.

‘Cooler’ Series (Catharanthus roseus 'Cooler' Series) plants grow 1 foot tall; 11 flower colors are available.

‘Mediterranean’ Series (Catharanthus roseus 'Mediterranean' Series) plants are trailing and used for ground cover and in hanging baskets. Five flower colors are available.

‘Pacifica’ Series (Catharanthus roseus 'Pacifica' Series) plants have 2-inch-wide blooms; two flower color are available.

Common periwinkle and large periwinkle are considered invasive. The invasive potential of common periwinkle is low, though it can escape into lawns and woodlands. Large periwinkle is more invasive and can outcompete other vegetation if it escapes into woodland areas. Madagascar periwinkle is not invasive.

Common periwinkle and large periwinkle are sturdy ground covers that spread quickly. Common periwinkle can be used wherever a low-growing ground cover is desired, and large periwinkle is useful where a more aggressive and fast-growing ground cover is needed. If periwinkles start to get out of bounds, pulling them out of the ground by hand is an effective way to control their spread. When pulling them, remove as many of their stems and roots as possible. Mowing or cutting the plants has little effect on their growth, and actually may help the plants spread.

Common and large periwinkles grow in shade or full sun, though they prefer partial to full shade. Their foliage has more color in shade, though they have more flowers in sunny spots. Moist, well-drained soil with high levels of organic matter is best for them, though they tolerate a wide variety of soils. Space common and large periwinkles 12 to 18 inches apart when planting them.

Madagascar periwinkle cultivars with a spreading growth habit are useful as non-invasive ground covers, especially in USDA zones where they are hardy. They may self-seed, but the seedlings can be easily pulled from the ground.

Madagascar periwinkle varieties grow best in full sun or partial shade. They are very tolerant of drought and poor soil, as long as the soil drains well. When planting, space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Although not as vigorous as the common and large periwinkles, Madagascar periwinkle is a better choice for full-sun and low-water conditions.