Periwinkle (Vinca): A Reliable Ground Cover with a Caveat
If you’re hunting for a tough-as-nails ground cover that laughs in the face of neglect, periwinkle might just be your new best friend. This low-maintenance perennial has been winning over gardeners for decades with its glossy green leaves and cheerful little flowers. But before you rush to the garden center, let’s dig into what makes this plant tick – and why you might want to consider some alternatives.
What Exactly Is Periwinkle?
Periwinkle, scientifically known as Vinca, is a hardy perennial that falls into the category of forb herbs. Don’t let the fancy terminology scare you – it simply means it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as the reliable friend who always shows up to the party, even when the weather’s terrible.
This European native has made itself quite at home across North America, spreading throughout most of the United States and several Canadian provinces including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and many others. It’s established populations from coast to coast, thriving in both northern and southern climates.
The Good, The Bad, and The Periwinkle
Let’s be honest about periwinkle’s track record. As a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously in the wild, it’s got some serious staying power. This can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on your perspective.
Why Gardeners Love It:
- Thrives in shade where many other plants struggle
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Provides year-round ground cover with evergreen foliage
- Produces delicate purple, blue, or white flowers in spring
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Drought tolerant after the first year
The Potential Downsides:
- Can spread aggressively and potentially escape cultivation
- Offers limited benefits to native wildlife and pollinators
- May outcompete native understory plants in natural areas
Growing Periwinkle Successfully
If you decide periwinkle is right for your garden, here’s how to keep it happy:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Light: Shade to partial shade (it actually prefers less sun)
- Soil: Adaptable to most soil types, but well-draining is best
- Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
- Water: Regular watering the first year, then drought tolerant
Planting and Care Tips:
Plant periwinkle in spring after the last frost. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart – trust us, they’ll fill in quickly. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. After that, you can practically ignore it (in the best way possible).
The main care you’ll need to provide is actually restraint – keep an eye on its spread and trim it back if it starts wandering into areas where it’s not welcome.
Consider Native Alternatives
While periwinkle certainly has its merits, consider these native ground covers that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Wild Ginger: Heart-shaped leaves and interesting spring flowers
- Pachysandra (native species): Similar evergreen coverage with white flower spikes
- Wild Strawberry: Edible berries and white flowers that attract pollinators
- Wintergreen: Aromatic leaves and bright red berries
The Bottom Line
Periwinkle is undeniably effective at what it does – creating dense, attractive ground cover in challenging shady spots. Its reliability and low maintenance requirements make it appealing to busy gardeners. However, its non-native status and potential for aggressive spread mean it’s worth considering native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife.
If you do choose periwinkle, plant it responsibly. Keep it contained within your garden borders and monitor its spread. And maybe plant some native alternatives nearby to give local pollinators and wildlife the resources they need. After all, the best gardens are the ones that work well for both gardeners and the environment.
