Native Habitat
Periwinkle (Vinca minor), a trailing subshrub, is native to central and southern Europe, including countries like Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and the Baltic States. Its range also extends into western Asia, particularly Turkey.
Key Facts
- Native Habitat: Periwinkle is native to central and southern Europe, including countries like Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and the Baltic States. It is also found in western Asia, particularly in Turkey.
- Growth Habit: Periwinkle is a trailing subshrub that spreads along the ground and can reach heights of up to 40 centimeters. It forms large clonal colonies and can also root along its stems. The leaves are evergreen, glossy dark green, and have a leathery texture.
- Flowers: Periwinkle produces solitary flowers in the leaf axils. The flowers are violet-purple in color, though some cultivated selections may have pale purple or white flowers. The corolla of the flower has five lobes, and the flowers typically bloom from early spring to mid-summer.
- Invasive Potential: While periwinkle is native to certain regions, it has been introduced in other parts of the world, including the United States. In some areas, it has proven to be invasive, particularly in the eastern United States. It can spread aggressively and cover large areas, which can degrade native landscapes.
Growth Habit
Periwinkle exhibits a trailing growth habit, spreading along the ground and forming large clonal colonies. It can reach heights of up to 40 centimeters and has the ability to root along its stems. The evergreen leaves are glossy dark green and have a leathery texture.
Flowers
Periwinkle produces solitary flowers in the leaf axils. These flowers typically bloom from early spring to mid-summer and are violet-purple in color. However, some cultivated selections may have pale purple or white flowers. The corolla of the flower has five lobes.
Invasive Potential
While periwinkle is native to certain regions, it has been introduced in other parts of the world, including the United States. In some areas, it has proven to be invasive, particularly in the eastern United States. Periwinkle can spread aggressively and cover large areas, which can degrade native landscapes.
Sources
- https://www.in.gov/dnr/files/Periwinkle.pdf
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-periwinkle-vinca-minor
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinca_minor
FAQs
Where is periwinkle native to?
Periwinkle is native to central and southern Europe, including countries like Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and the Baltic States. It is also found in western Asia, particularly in Turkey.
What is the growth habit of periwinkle?
Periwinkle exhibits a trailing growth habit, spreading along the ground and forming large clonal colonies. It can reach heights of up to 40 centimeters and has the ability to root along its stems. The evergreen leaves are glossy dark green and have a leathery texture.
What do the flowers of periwinkle look like?
Periwinkle produces solitary flowers in the leaf axils. These flowers typically bloom from early spring to mid-summer and are violet-purple in color. However, some cultivated selections may have pale purple or white flowers. The corolla of the flower has five lobes.
Does periwinkle have invasive potential?
Yes, periwinkle can be invasive in certain areas. While it is native to certain regions, it has been introduced in other parts of the world, including the United States. In some areas, particularly in the eastern United States, periwinkle has proven to be invasive. It can spread aggressively and cover large areas, which can degrade native landscapes.
How can periwinkle be controlled or eradicated?
Controlling or eradicating periwinkle can be challenging. Once established, it is difficult to remove. Chemical treatments, such as glyphosate or triclopyr, can be effective in killing the plant. However, repeated applications may be necessary. Manual removal, such as cutting or digging up the roots, can also be attempted, but it is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Are there any benefits to growing periwinkle?
Periwinkle can have some benefits as a groundcover in certain situations. It is a low-maintenance plant that can help to suppress weeds and prevent erosion. Additionally, its evergreen foliage can provide year-round interest in the garden. However, due to its invasive potential, it is important to carefully consider the use of periwinkle and to take steps to prevent it from spreading beyond the desired area.
What are some alternatives to periwinkle for groundcover?
There are several alternative plants that can be used as groundcover instead of periwinkle. Some popular options include dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), and periwinkle (Vinca minor). These plants are less aggressive than periwinkle and are less likely to become invasive.
What is the history of periwinkle as a cultivated plant?
Periwinkle has a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient times. It was valued for its medicinal properties and was also used in traditional medicine. In the 16th century, periwinkle was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant and quickly gained popularity as a groundcover. Today, periwinkle is widely cultivated in gardens around the world, although its invasive potential has led to concerns in some areas.