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Greater periwinkle
Discover the charm of the Vinca major, commonly known as the greater periwinkle or creeping myrtle. This hardy evergreen is a favorite for its enchanting blue flowers and its versatility in the garden. Native to the Mediterranean, the greater periwinkle flourishes under a range of light conditions and soil types, offering gardeners a low-maintenance option for ground cover.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Border plants. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Border plants for a long time.
For optimal growth, Vinca major prospers in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even full shade, making it versatile for garden placement. While it adapts well to all soil types, ensuring a well-drained environment is crucial for its health. This species is particularly suited for underplanting beneath taller plants or trees, as well as covering slopes where its creeping growth habit can help control erosion. It's important to provide this evergreen with average water, especially when planted in sunnier locations, to maintain its lush foliage and vibrant blue blooms throughout the growing season.
When planting Vinca major, it is beneficial to choose a location that can range from full sun to full shade, making it a versatile addition to various garden areas. The soil should be well-drained to accommodate its needs. As a pot-grown plant, it can be easily established at any time of the year that is free from frost. Upon planting, ensure that there is adequate spacing between each to allow for its creeping growth habit to flourish. Regular watering after planting will help to establish the plant and promote a lush, evergreen ground cover.
Pruning of Vinca major is best conducted in early to mid-spring when the threat of harsh weather has diminished and the buds are starting to swell. This timing ensures the plant can recover quickly and put its energy into lush new growth. Carefully trim back overgrown tendrils to maintain a neat appearance and encourage a more dense foliage spread. Since it typically blooms later in the season, spring pruning will not affect the delightful display of blue flowers that emerge in the warmer months.
Despite its hardy nature, Vinca major requires consistent moisture to thrive, particularly when getting established. This species prefers well-drained soils and tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to shade. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During periods of dry weather, increase watering frequency to maintain the necessary hydration levels. Over-watering should be avoided to prevent potential root issues. Regular monitoring and adjustments to watering routines will support a lush, evergreen ground cover throughout the year.
For optimal vitality and flourish, it is recommended to fertilize Vinca major twice annually – once in early spring and again in mid-summer. Utilizing a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer aids in sustaining robust growth and vibrant blooms throughout its flowering months. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, taking care to distribute it evenly around the base of the plant and lightly incorporate it into the soil. This will ensure that the nutrients are readily available for the plant's uptake. Since this species is evergreen and maintains a lush appearance year-round, regular fertilization is key to its health and performance in various landscape uses, from borders to slope plantings. It is important to water the plant well after fertilizing to help disperse the nutrients into the soil.
This species provides an excellent ground cover, rapidly spreading to blanket garden spaces with its glossy, evergreen foliage. The greater periwinkle's ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions makes it a versatile choice for many gardeners. Its twining stems bear lovely violet-blue flowers in spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Furthermore, Vinca major is often used to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, showcasing its environmental benefits beyond aesthetic appeal.
To ensure robust growth and rejuvenation, Vinca major can be propagated through division. This process, ideally undertaken during the cooler months of spring or autumn, involves gently lifting the plant from the soil and carefully separating it into smaller sections. Each division should have ample roots and shoots to establish itself when replanted into well-drained soil. This method not only stimulates new growth but also helps maintain the health and vitality of the plant, allowing for continued enjoyment of its lush, green foliage and vibrant blue flowers. Regular division also helps manage the plant's spreading habit.
Vinca major typically reaches a height ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters when fully matured.
Vinca major has an ultimate spread of 1.5 to 2.5 meters when fully developed.
Vinca major can flourish in a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. This ensures that the plant's roots have access to adequate oxygen while preventing waterlogging.
Vinca major can thrive in a variety of light conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even shaded areas. This plant is adaptable and can be planted in locations with direct sunlight, as well as in spots with partial shade, or in more shaded environments.
The blossoms of Vinca major display a lovely blue hue, adding a striking touch of colour to the plant.
Vinca major demonstrates winter hardiness, able to withstand temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C. This places it within USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. Therefore, Vinca major is well-suited to endure winter conditions within these specified temperature ranges.
Vinca major is an evergreen plant, meaning it maintains its lush green foliage throughout the year, providing a consistent and verdant appearance to any garden or landscape.
Vinca major is known for its relatively swift growth, reaching its ultimate height within a period of two to five years. This indicates that it is a species that establishes itself and matures within a moderate timeframe.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Embrace the charm of Vinca major, a robust ground cover that graces your garden with its lush, evergreen foliage and enchanting periwinkle blooms. This resilient species thrives with minimal fuss, providing a verdant carpet that enhances the aesthetic of any outdoor space throughout the year.
