When it comes to groundcover, density is a measure of beauty and effectiveness. Wayward periwinkle — an overachiever when it comes to density — requires ongoing trimming to maintain its somewhat invasive habit. But we have embraced its thick, evergreen bordering attributes for years. Periwinkle defines the transition between the yew hedge and the lawn at the front of Rosslyn, and we have once again and incorporated it into design of the “ice garden”.
Back on May 29, 2024 I nearly skipped mention of the periwinkle when offering a landscaping update.
I almost forgot the Periwinkle (Vinca minor) which will be planted as a groundcover border surrounding the stone pavers [in the icehouse garden. Try to]… imagine 400+ Vinca transplants finding their way to us in time to be tucked into the rich soil before summer’s hot sun arrives. (Source: Icehouse Landscaping Update, End of May)
When, at last, our periwinkle plants arrived, Teddi’s team tucked them into the sun warmed soil, and we waited. And waited. it, took the small plants weeks to look vital and even more weeks to look like they were beginning to grow and establish. We all fret it a little over the slightly anemic plants and their apparent hesitation to acclimate in their new border around the sunken terrace.
When, at last, our periwinkle plants arrived, Teddi’s team tucked them into the sun warmed soil, and we waited. And waited. It took the small plants weeks to look vital and even more weeks to look like they were beginning to grow and establish. We all fretted a little over the slightly anemic plants and their apparent hesitation to acclimate in their new border around the sunken terrace.
And then the rains began. And continued… For the last few weeks, intermittent rain, and (until recently) hot, humid weather woke up the dormant periwinkle transplants. They’ve been experiencing explosive growth ever since. No longer anemic. No longer leggy. No longer dormant.
Here’s an excerpt from text messages prompted by Teddi’s photo sent on Tuesday.
Pam: Looks like a jungle. What’s the best way to keep them contained in the gardens?
Teddi: Why contain greatness?! 😉 Haircuts are best. This vinca went from, is it going to make it, to on steroids!!
Pam: It’s been very exciting to see it grow and flourish like it has. Great job Teddi!!!
Teddi: Great job everyone!
Pam: Great team!!!
Geo: Hurrah! Way to go, team. Vinca minor can be successfully propagated by layering and cuttings. In other words, we can repurpose the overzealous periwinkle to propagate new plants. I suggest we take this approach as we define the edges of the border, layering when/where it makes sense. In areas (ie. south side of terrace) where vinca’s coverage is already pretty dense, we can simply re-root the cuttings along the northern border where there are still holes to fill in.
With plenty of growing time ahead this season, I think we can successfully fine-tune this terrace-to-flowerbed border by “haircuttting” the wayward periwinkle and filling in the gaps as needed with layering and re-rooting cuttings.
Layering Vinca Minor
Layering is an effective way to thicken the periwinkle coverage if/when there are open spots in the groundcover. And the process is pretty simple. In fact, the long, trailing stems often layer on their own, sending out fresh roots where the stems contact soil for an extended period of time.
Intentionally layering wayward periwinkle plants is simply a matter of learning from mother nature. We can emulate periwinkle’s natural tendency to re-root by selecting a long stem, relocating them within the desired border, removing a few leaves in the middle, burying the exfoliated section in the dirt, and preserving the leafed sections above the ground. Within a month or two the buried stem section will root, and the new plant can be cut from the original. Two vinca minor plants instead of one!
Rooting Vinca Minor Cuttings
We can also propagate new plants by pruning (or “haircutting”… Thanks, Teddi!) the wayward periwinkle and then rooting the stem cuttings.
Although not all pruned stems are good candidates, so long as we choose healthy plants (not stressed, etc.) for our cuttings, we should experience moderate to good success.
After removing a stem with clean pruners we will trim off a few lower leaves, dip the cutting in organic rooting hormone, and then plant the cutting in loose, moist soil. It’s important to keep the soil moist (but not too wet) until signs of establishing and new growth emerge. A couple of shiny, lime green leaves are cause to celebrate!
With a little luck and cooperative climate, our wayward Perrywinkle border will be tamed and terrific in no time. Thank you, Teddi!
What do you think?