Our expert plant columnist Robyn Wilkey has advice on growing
periwinkles. Send your plant questions to her at
Swwgod@aol.com. Robyn Wilkey
I have seen so many different varieties of
Periwinkle. I was wondering about the pink variety that can also be used
as a house plant. Could you please tell me if it is a perennial or an
annual.
Madagascar Periwinkle is a lovely little plant in a summer window,
and will grow outside as well.
Periwinkle is a native of Europe, India, and Madagascar. It come
from a rather large family of plants which contains many fine, outdoor creeping
varieties, including Vinca minor, with its myriad of small blue
flowers.
The periwinkle is considered an annual, but depending on where it
is growing the life of the plant may vary. It will usually last for only
one year, but it can exist as a perennial in warmer climates.
The plant usually grows upright, and maximum height of about eight
inches. The leaves are oblong and very shiny with a clear, almost white,
center vein.
The flowers of the periwinkle can come in many different shades,
and can be either plain or variegated.
Two white varieties that I recommend are 'Little Blanche'(which
is entirely white) and 'Little Delicate'(which is white with a pink center).
'Little Pinkie' is a pink variety with a red eye in the center. If you want
a larger, spreading plant, perhaps for your patio, I can recommend a low,
almost creeping strain call "Magic Carpet Mixed."
* Caring for the Periwinkle:
With a little time and patience, Periwinkle can be kept through
the winter to bloom again next year. Once the plant has stopped flowering
in the fall, cut the plant back to two to four inches.
Keep it at a temperature of about 60* - 65*F through the winter,
and water sparingly. Next spring when the periwinkle show signs of growth,
move it to a brighter and warmer spot.
* Potential problems:
Aphids may attack during the summer months. If your plant shows
signs of aphids, just wash them off at the sink. I like to use the insecticidal
soap. It is natural and has no harmful chemicals to the
environment.
Yellow leaves indicate too much water and to cool of an area. Move
the plant to a warmer location and cut down on the water.The leaves hang
or fall. This usually indicates that the soil in the pot has dried out to
much. Simply emurse the pot in a bath of lukewarm water for a least half
an hour. Then remember to water the plant daily when the weather is
warm.
* Environment:
Periwinkle is an attractive summer plant. Since it is a rather
low-growing plant it is an excellent plant for growing underneath other larger
plants. All periwinkles like plenty of light. During the summer months of
the year, protect the plant against getting strong and direct sun
light.
* Flowering:
Periwinkle normally flowers during the entire spring and summer
seasons, April to September.(depending on which Zone you live). They are
many flowers that come in many different colors, but mainly white and pink.
They only have faint scent.
About the Author: Robyn Wilkey is an interior landscape consultant.
She is a third generation horticulturist and now lives in Bowling Green,
Kentucky. Write her at
Swwgod@aol.com.
Books on Plants:
* The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher O.
Bud.
To
order click here.
* The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden
Plants by Christopher Brickell, editor, Judith Zuk, editor.
To
order click here.
* The House Plant Expert: The World's Best-Selling Book on House
Plants by D. G. Hessayon.
To
order click here.
* The Flower Expert by D.G.
Hessayon.
To order click here. |
