Are you looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that will add a pop of color to your garden?
Look no further than periwinkle!
This evergreen plant is easy to grow and spreads quickly, making it a great choice for filling in large areas.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting periwinkle is a breeze.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, from soil preparation to fertilization.
So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
How To Plant Periwinkle Ground Cover
Step 1: Choose the Right Time and Location
Periwinkle can be planted in either spring or fall, but it’s important to choose a location that suits its needs. Periwinkle prefers partial shade, but can also grow in full sun. Make sure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or needs other amendments, add them before planting.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Before planting, prepare the soil by digging up the area to a depth of 12 inches. Remove any weeds and break up large clumps of soil. Mix in 3 inches of well-rotted compost with the loosened soil. Rake the soil smooth and level.
Step 3: Planting Periwinkle
Carefully remove the periwinkle plants from their containers and plant them in a hole large enough to hold the root system at the same level as in the nursery containers. Space them 8 inches apart in small areas or 12 to 18 inches apart in large areas. Avoid planting them near other small plants; they spread quickly, and the mats of growth will choke out nearby plants.
Step 4: Watering and Fertilization
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks, as the roots become established. Fertilize periwinkle in spring with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Mulch dry soils to conserve moisture.
Step 5: Maintenance
Periwinkle is a low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care. Occasionally shear plants close to the ground to encourage new growth. Weeding and mulching are required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area.
If periwinkle grows out of bounds, dig up and discard plants to contain it, especially if your soil is moist and rich. You can even mow periwinkle in spring if it begins to look straggly. Set the mower blade to its highest setting.
Choosing The Right Location For Periwinkle
Choosing the right location for periwinkle is crucial to ensure its growth and longevity. Periwinkle prefers partial shade, but can also grow in full sun. However, it’s important to note that the foliage color is richer green in partial shade, while more flowers are produced in the sun. Therefore, it’s best to choose a location that provides a balance of both.
Periwinkle prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It’s best to avoid picking compacted and heavy soils as they don’t thrive well in this type of soil. If your soil is heavy or needs other amendments, add them before planting.
When choosing where to plant periwinkle, look for an area with no other plants, as they tend to crowd out any other flowers. If you would like to plant the periwinkle amongst other flowers, try planting them with bulbous plants like tulips.
It’s also important to consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. In cold and harsh climates, protect periwinkle from wind and water it when the temperature is above freezing to prevent winter burn.
Preparing The Soil For Periwinkle Planting
Preparing the soil for periwinkle planting is crucial for the plant’s growth and development. The first step is to choose the right time and location for planting. Periwinkle prefers partial shade but can also grow in full sun. It’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic. If the soil needs amendments, add them before planting.
To prepare the soil, start by digging up the area to a depth of 12 inches. Remove any weeds and break up large clumps of soil. Mixing in 3 inches of well-rotted compost with the loosened soil is essential as it adds nutrients and improves drainage. Rake the soil smooth and level to ensure that it’s ready for planting.
When planting periwinkle, carefully remove the plants from their containers and plant them in a hole large enough to hold the root system at the same level as in the nursery containers. Space them 8 inches apart in small areas or 12 to 18 inches apart in large areas. Avoid planting periwinkle near other small plants as they spread quickly and can choke out nearby plants.
After planting, water deeply and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks while the roots become established. Fertilize periwinkle in spring with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Mulch dry soils to conserve moisture.
Lastly, maintenance is necessary for periwinkle plants. Occasionally shear plants close to the ground to encourage new growth. Weeding and mulching are required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area. If periwinkle grows out of bounds, dig up and discard plants to contain it, especially if your soil is moist and rich. You can even mow periwinkle in spring if it begins to look straggly. Set the mower blade to its highest setting. With the right soil preparation and care, periwinkle can thrive and become a beautiful ground cover for your garden.
Planting Periwinkle: Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’re looking to plant periwinkle ground cover, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Choose the Right Time and Location
Choose a location that suits periwinkle’s needs. It prefers partial shade but can also grow in full sun. Make sure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or needs other amendments, add them before planting. Plant periwinkle in either spring or fall.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Before planting, prepare the soil by digging up the area to a depth of 12 inches. Remove any weeds and break up large clumps of soil. Mix in 3 inches of well-rotted compost with the loosened soil. Rake the soil smooth and level.
Step 3: Planting Periwinkle
Carefully remove the periwinkle plants from their containers and plant them in a hole large enough to hold the root system at the same level as in the nursery containers. Space them 8 inches apart in small areas or 12 to 18 inches apart in large areas. Avoid planting them near other small plants; they spread quickly, and the mats of growth will choke out nearby plants.
Step 4: Watering and Fertilization
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks, as the roots become established. Fertilize periwinkle in spring with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Mulch dry soils to conserve moisture.
Step 5: Maintenance
Periwinkle is a low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care. Occasionally shear plants close to the ground to encourage new growth. Weeding and mulching are required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area.
If periwinkle grows out of bounds, dig up and discard plants to contain it, especially if your soil is moist and rich. You can even mow periwinkle in spring if it begins to look straggly. Set the mower blade to its highest setting.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant and maintain periwinkle ground cover.
Watering And Fertilizing Periwinkle
Periwinkle requires regular watering to ensure its growth and health. Water the soil deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks, as the roots become established. After this initial period, water periwinkle as needed, either when the soil is slightly moist or when the top inch or two of soil has dried out.
Fertilization is also important for periwinkle’s growth and development. Fertilize periwinkle in spring with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Lightly fertilize on a consistent basis, depending upon the plant’s growth. Quick-growing plants and those that flower or develop fruit will need more frequent fertilizing than slow-growing plants.
Mulching can also help conserve moisture in dry soils and provide additional nutrients as it decomposes. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants, but avoid covering the stems.
It’s important to note that over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and may cause periwinkle to become invasive. It’s best to fertilize only when necessary and to follow the recommended application rates.
With proper watering and fertilization, periwinkle can thrive and provide a beautiful ground cover for your garden or landscape.
Maintaining Periwinkle Ground Cover
Maintaining periwinkle ground cover is relatively easy, but it still requires some attention to ensure it stays healthy and attractive. Here are some tips to help you maintain your periwinkle ground cover:
1. Watering: The watering needs of periwinkle depend on the location. If the plant is in a sunny spot, it may need daily watering during the hot season. In winter, however, you should only slightly pour the plant. Make sure to water deeply and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks after planting, as the roots become established.
2. Fertilization: Periwinkle does not require fertilization, but feeding it after pruning can promote rapid and vigorous new growth. Use an all-purpose balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer and follow the packaging instructions. These plants need only one annual feeding, so do not over-fertilize them.
3. Pruning: Occasionally shear plants close to the ground to encourage new growth. You can also mow periwinkle in spring if it begins to look straggly. Set the mower blade to its highest setting.
4. Weeding: Weeding is required on a regular basis until the groundcover fills in the planted area. Make sure to remove any weeds that compete with periwinkle for nutrients and water.
5. Mulching: Mulch dry soils to conserve moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
6. Controlling Growth: Periwinkle can quickly grow out of bounds and become invasive, especially if your soil is moist and rich. If this happens, dig up and discard plants to contain it. Avoid planting periwinkle near other small plants as they spread quickly, and the mats of growth will choke out nearby plants.
By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy and attractive periwinkle ground cover that will provide color and interest all year round while also preventing weed growth.
