Periwinkle (Vinca): indoor and garden plant. periwinkle cultivation and care planting seedlings in open ground types of periwinkle

It is unlikely that any other plant has undeservedly received so many unflattering names as the periwinkle flower. "Violet of the witch", "coffin-grass", "devil's eyes", "burial ground", as soon as they did not call it in antiquity. Such an attitude towards beautiful plant the Celts instilled in him, attributing to him magical powers and a connection with the other world. Perhaps this was due to the fact that they preferred to plant it on the graves so that its green leaves and bright flowers covered the graveyard ground, at least somehow decorating such a sad place.

But long before them, the periwinkle flower, the photo and description of which are given in this article, gained a reputation of a completely different kind. For example, the ancient Greeks called it the "violet of love", wove it into the wreaths of the bride and groom, believing that the longevity of the flower would keep their love for many years.

Nowadays, the periwinkle flower is a common garden plant, which many flower growers love for unpretentiousness and beauty.

flower description

This plant is not uncommon both in the southern regions of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and in more northern regions and countries. Most often in flower beds in parks or alpine slides on household plots you can find a creeping type of flower. The description of the periwinkle comes down to only two species, although there are several varieties of this plant, including hybrids:

1. Vinca major is a large periwinkle, the stems of which can reach a meter in height, although specimens 25-60 cm high are more common. It has glossy leaves up to 8 cm long, flowers are large, more often sky- blue tint. It prefers warmth, therefore it is common in the southern regions, it tolerates both the scorching steppe sun and partial shade.
2. Vinca minor - small periwinkle - is a creeping shrub, rarely reaching a height of 25 cm. It has small bright green leaves 4 cm long and medium-sized flowers. It tolerates frost well, so in additional shelter does not need.

The remaining types of periwinkle flower are hybrids, but in general in nature there are only 12 varieties of this beautiful and unpretentious plant which is extremely low on a global scale.

Varieties of periwinkle

Although there are not so many varieties of this plant, they all enjoy the same love from landscape designers, and some of them also have healing properties:

1. V. pubescens - this is the name of the periwinkle flower (photo below) pubescent in Latin. Its feature is the ability to take root where its creeping shoots touch the ground. Thus, this type of periwinkle quickly covers the entire free area with a green-blue "carpet". It blooms with small single flowers of a blue hue, has the ability to shed foliage, and, despite the fact that its main place of growth is the Caucasus and equally warm places, it is better to cover bare stems in winter period if grown on suburban area.
2. Vínca herbacea - translated as herbaceous periwinkle. The flower grows in Southern and Central Europe, Lesser and Central Asia, meeting both in the steppe and meadow zones, and on the edges of the forest and even in the mountains. This is a perennial herbaceous plant, the creeping stems of which take root on the soil with their top. Its five-petalled flowers are distinguished by a rich purple (or with an admixture of blue) color. Caring for a herbaceous periwinkle flower as such is not required, only in a snowless cold winter it is recommended to cover it with spruce branches.
3. Vinca rosea is characterized by a long flowering period: from the establishment of heat in spring and until autumn. This rather large plant, reaching a height of up to 60 cm, is distinguished by glossy green leaves with a white border and large pink flowers.

These are varieties of periwinkle that grow in open ground, as in wild nature, and on personal plots or flower beds in city parks.

"Savage" in a vase

So this plant would grow in the wild, if it were not for amateurs - flower growers and breeders. Indoor periwinkle is a variety of flowers, varieties of which were bred by crossing its wild "relatives". Among them:

1. Alba - owner beautiful flowers pure white color.
2. Gold Vine is hard to miss as its leaves have a yellow vein on the leaves edged with delicate greens.
3. Morning Glory is a vibrant beauty with purplish blue flowers.
4. Reticulata also stands out for its foliage, against a glossy green background that shines with golden veins.
5. Variegata (Elegantissima) - has leaves with a delicate creamy-white border in the middle and small spots.

Care and planting of the periwinkle flower open ground and at home are different. Consider what should be done to make this plant a decoration of a flower bed or garden.

Location and soil preparation for planting

As a rule, these flowers are unpretentious and not capricious, so even sandy soil, on which little grows, but still heavy soil can significantly reduce their growth and flowering activity.

Usually a periwinkle flower (the photo shows this) is used to “decorate” unsightly places in a summer cottage or as a dividing strip between a backyard path and a flower bed or garden, and also make a background out of it on alpine slide, since the choice of location for this plant is not a priority. It feels good both under the rays of the sun and in partial shade, but in a heavily shaded place it will bloom worse.

That is why many landscape designers consider it a "magic wand", because where under scorching rays not a single “noble” plant will take root, planting periwinkle flowers guarantees a landscape that pleases the eye.

Sowing seeds

best period for planting this plant - spring, although early autumn is also suitable if the climate is mild, and there is not even a hint of the first frost yet.

It is important to know: if you want to plant a periwinkle in the summer, then you should wait for cloudy weather or rain.

Sowing seeds does not require any additional manipulations if the land has been fertilized before. If not, then it is worth digging and adding compost to the prepared area, then loosen and make shallow furrows (1-2 cm). The sown seeds are sprinkled with earth and watered abundantly.

Care immediately after sowing seeds is also not burdensome. We must not forget to water the plants and slightly loosen the soil, but this is provided that the season turned out to be dry. If it rains at least periodically, then this stage of caring for the periwinkle flower (the photo above shows it already in all its glory of flowering) can be omitted.

flower reproduction

If there are no periwinkle seeds, then this flower can be propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings and layering.

If we are talking about a large or small variety of periwinkle, then cuttings are carried out in July, for which:

• you should choose the longest shoots;
• cut them into pieces containing 3-4 internodes;
• distribute them over the prepared area (that is, dug up, fertilized and loosened) with a frequency of up to 20 pieces per square meter;
• cover each piece with soil and water abundantly.

It should be remembered that this is a place to get rooted seedlings, which after 1.5 months will need to be transplanted to a permanent "place of residence" at a distance of 20-25 cm between the bushes.

The simplest and fast way reproduction is the rooting of layering, for which the stems should be taken away from each other and sprinkle the shoots on them with earth. This type breeding is suitable when the area of ​​the plot allows.

The division of the bush with the preservation of an earthy coma with roots on each part of it is carried out either in early spring or at the end of summer.

plant care

Periwinkle is famous for its long flowering, even when cut and placed in a vase, it does not fade for up to 20 days or more with a minimum amount of water in it. For this to be so, care is required after planting the periwinkle flower. The photo below shows him in a flowerpot, which is easier to look after than an entire flower bed. What to do if there is a lot of periwinkle and you want it to bloom as long as possible?

1. First of all, the soil should be fertilized, for which they are suitable: organic matter (given twice per season), mineral fertilizers (dilute in water and water the plants 1-2 times a month).
2. So that the periwinkle does not "occupy" the entire area, immediately after flowering it needs to be cut, which will additionally form lush bushes.
3. Watering is carried out depending on the amount of precipitation. If the summer is dry, then you will have to water a couple of times a week during the flowering period and active growth periwinkle, the rest of the time - as needed.

For this minimal care, beautiful flowers and many people love the plant, giving it a worthy place on their site or windowsill.

Pests and diseases

Like other plants on the planet, the periwinkle has a "set" of diseases and pests, although there are few of them, which can significantly reduce its age.

The first who strive to feast on its leaves are aphids and scale insects. Fungal diseases do not fail to make themselves felt if the plant is in humid environment(for example, with abundant watering).

Powdery mildew will pass by itself if the lesion is minor, and leave the area with flowers for a while without watering, aphids and scale insects do not like soapy water. It is enough to dilute it and spray the plants as they leave it. If a fungal disease extended to a large number of flowers, then you will have to treat the entire area with fungicides (suitable, for example, "Karbofos" or "Topaz").

Can be wiped at home soapy water each flower, glossy periwinkle leaves will shine even more from this.

It is important to know: if the plot at the dacha is large, and there is no time to process it, then it is worth planting a periwinkle on it. The plant will not tolerate a single weed near it, as it fills the soil with such a dense flowering "carpet" that no one can break through it.

"Coexistence" with other plants

Since the periwinkle grows so quickly, can other flowers be planted next to it? This question is of interest to many beginner gardeners. Indeed, not everyone gets along with him, but they will be happy to be next to him:

• lungwort;
• hyacinths;
• primrose;
• forget-me-nots.

It is useful to plant periwinkle around trees and shrubs, as it protects them from weeds and pests, while also being an ornament.

Some designers use periwinkle flowers as a kind of vegetative “veil”, on top of which taller flowers or ferns that are less whimsical to care rise.

Periwinkle in folk medicine

As a medicine, periwinkle was used as early as the time of Dioscorides (a doctor and pharmacologist in the Greek army, who lived in 40-90 AD). In the beginning, people believed that long flowering plants will be able to extend their life, and to some extent they turned out to be right.

The alkaloid contained in the plant has a beneficial effect on the cells of the body, preventing them from dividing improperly, thereby preventing the formation of cancerous tumors. In our time, this alkaloid in the form of an extract from a plant was used to produce drugs for malignant tumors, until they learned how to synthesize it. But many homeopaths advise preparing decoctions and tinctures from periwinkle and taking it as a prophylactic, since not a single synthetic substance can ever compare in its properties with what is bestowed by nature.

What you need to know about periwinkle

When caring for this plant, you should remember that it is poisonous. That is why he does not have so many "enemies". If you use it in medicinal purposes, then you should always consult with your doctor and adhere to the dosage recommended by him.

Few plants are shrouded in a halo of such notoriety. As soon as the flower was not called: the coffin-grass, the eye of the devil, and many called the burial ground. But looking at the plant itself, it is difficult to understand why it deserved such an unkind attitude. A branched, handsome groundcover, pleasing to the eye with green and as if varnished leaves and a sky-blue tint of flowers. It is not capricious, can grow anywhere, shady or sunny. Even in winter, it is worth removing a layer of snow - and you will see bright greenery! That's what stamina and craving for life a seemingly simple, but at the same time original and elegant plant - periwinkle!

And the dark glory, hinting at its connection with the other world, has been reaching for the flower since antiquity. Among the Celts, the periwinkle was called the magical violet and served as a protective amulet. Woven into wreaths, he personified the all-pervading power of love and was a symbol of marital fidelity and devotion. Maybe that's why it is often planted on graves, and the plant resignedly accepts such an existence, where there is so little human attention and the simplest care.

Celestial periwinkle flowers keep their freshness for a long time - up to twenty days! They are woven into wreaths unmarried girls to decorate your hair for one of the great summer holidays- Ivan Kupala. And after a night full of secrets, they keep and admire them.

However, let's leave the lyrics and move on to the main question: how to properly care for the periwinkle. Although, of course, the fact that care is practically reduced to zero will please. If even in the middle of the arid steppe, the small periwinkle grows well, then life at home will seem simply fabulous to him.

Flower growers distinguish two types of flower, which are most common: small periwinkle and large periwinkle. They differ among themselves in the height of the stem and the size of the flowers. The first type gives smaller flowers, and its height rarely exceeds 25 cm, and the second can also drive meter-long stems.

The soil

Any soil is suitable for the plant, even sandy. However, if the soil is heavy, growth activity will decrease somewhat. The development of the periwinkle occurs quite quickly, during the season it can capture up to seven branches with its branches. square meters. Do not lose vigilance - such thickets can harm the "neighbors", or even completely push them out of the garden.

Landing place

Without a doubt, the sunny part of the garden will be the most favorable, but the plant will also feel good in the shade. If you need to disguise the unattractive places of your dacha or low buildings, the periwinkle is perfect for this task. It is surprising that even a flower shaded by trees grows beautifully.

Watering

If you want to plant a periwinkle in a plot where you will only come for the weekend, then this amount of watering will be enough. In addition, the usual rains are not canceled. Growing a flower in the sultry southern regions, you can water the plant a little more often - the periwinkle will be more beautiful and lush. But there is no need to make fertilizers so that the periwinkle carpet does not build up fatty greens.

reproduction

Most best way- this is to dig out part of the plants that have grown over the season and transplant it to another place. And you can do this: bend the branch to the ground and it will soon take root. They grow a flower and seedlings, and seeds are not a shortage.

Bloom

The plant is covered with flowers in mid-May. During this period, the periwinkle plot simply enchants the eye: blue stars in the emerald sky! After flowering, the stems are trimmed and cuttings, if necessary. Freshly cut branches can be put in a cool place, and they will delight the hostess with beauty and freshness for about two to three weeks.

Pests

Pests usually bypass the periwinkle, except that aphids can choose young leaves. But you are guaranteed not to find weeds in the green-blue area. Periwinkle densely covers the soil, and throughout the season the bed looks even and clean, as if it had just been cut.

Application in medicine

Periwinkle is often used in modern medicine and in pharmacology. One of the active elements of the flower is an alkaloid that blocks uncontrolled cell division. Means containing periwinkle are used in the treatment of oncological processes. In addition, nootropic drugs, as well as immunosuppressants, are made from the plant.

Periwinkle is a wonderful flower, no matter how you look at it. Its beauty, undemanding, consent to live on any soil and in various conditions, the ability to look harmoniously in group plantings with annuals and perennials, originality is not only in horizontal arrangement, but also on vertical supports, and in hanging planters- all these qualities provide the flower with popularity and demand among landscape designers. Periwinkle will be a wonderful garden decoration if you are a busy person. After all, it is quite independent and does not require special supervision, a very beautiful plant.

Periwinkle, or its other name Vinca (Vinca), is a climbing or creeping ground cover plant of the Kutrovye family. Periwinkle grows very quickly in breadth, forming whole pillows of juicy bright greenery.

Shiny leathery periwinkle leaves can be light or dark Green colour, as well as with cream or golden spots or a border. The periwinkle is also famous for its simple charming flowers that appear from the axils of the leaves.

periwinkle flowers

Flowers consist of 5 petals of the original form.

Most often, periwinkle flowers are pure lilac or sky blue, less often white or pink.

Periwinkle blooms massively in early or mid-spring, and then single flowers can be seen throughout the season.

Periwinkles can be deciduous herbaceous plants or evergreen shrubs. The leaves of the evergreen periwinkle are well preserved throughout the year, and even under snow.

Periwinkle forms a mass of thin stems that rise above the ground and spread far enough in breadth. Periwinkle leaves are leathery, shiny, elliptical in shape.

Periwinkles shoot roots from each node of the stem and take root everywhere along the way. From here it happened Latin name Vinca plants means to tie or wrap around.

Periwinkle - very useful plant, which from ancient times to the present day has been widely used in pharmacology and medicine. This plant contains an alkaloid that has properties that prevent cell division.

Periwinkle varieties, types

In horticulture, the most common and popular are the two types of periwinkle, with several varieties:

Periwinkle is a small plant, no more than half a meter in height and growing up to 1.5 m wide.

Argenteo variegata creates low wide pillows (10 cm in height); the plant has grayish oval evergreen leaves and flowers of a light purple-blue hue with a diameter of about 2-2.5 cm.

Aureovariegata- a variety with sky-blue flowers about 2.5 cm in diameter and spotted golden foliage.

Atropurpurea (Rubra, Purpurea)- variety, with mauve flowers and dark green leaves.

Azurea Flore Pleno (Caerulea Plena, Flore Plena)- a popular variety about 15 cm tall with dark green leaves and sky-blue double flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter.

Gertrude Jekyll- a kind of periwinkle with white flowers.

B arvinok large - view from large flowers and leaves. The plant reaches a meter in height and up to 2.5 m in width.

Variegata- a variety with lilac-blue flowers up to 5 cm in diameter, with a cream border on the leaves, appearing on the plant from spring to autumn.

Periwinkle is simple and unpretentious in culture. Green-leaved varieties of periwinkles are quite frost-resistant, and variegated periwinkles need preventive winter shelter.

periwinkle breeding

Periwinkle grows on any soil. The ideal place is partial shade.

In order for the periwinkle plantation to be more compact and lush, the plants must be trimmed after completion. mass flowering. The trimmed parts of the periwinkle stem can be stuck into moist soil and then they will take root.

The most effective and convenient way to propagate periwinkle is layering, which quickly takes root if lightly sprinkled with earth.

Periwinkle diseases and pests

Periwinkles are rarely affected by fungi that cause the stems to turn brown and die.

For periwinkles from pests, it is dangerous, there may be aphids.

Rapid growth and spread, pleasant and unpretentious appearance, undemanding and practical, as well as the charming lilac-blue flowers of periwinkles determine their popularity with landscape designers and gardeners.

Although periwinkles bloom more actively in the sun, they are of great interest as shade tolerant plants, which can grow in any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden (except for arid zones). Periwinkles can also be grown in containers.

Periwinkle use

Periwinkle will quickly cover up not the most beautiful place in the garden. Periwinkles feel best in a bright corner of a natural garden, on slopes, in rockeries, freely spreading among shrubs and trees.

Excellent partners for periwinkles are various shrubs and trees, as well as shade-tolerant and low spring-flowering plants: lungwort, Goryanka, blueberries, primroses, hyacinths and other bulbs, forget-me-nots, geyhera, etc. In a light forest belt, periwinkles look great among different ferns.

The periwinkle flower (lat. Vinca - “wrap around”) is one of the representatives of the genus of evergreen, climbing bush herbaceous plants belonging to the Kutrov family. The homeland of the plant is considered to be Asian countries, northern part African continent and Europe. It is also not uncommon for our side. The way the periwinkle sounds in the Russian interpretation speaks of its ability to curl along the surface and its endurance in difficult conditions. In view of this, the flower has long been revered as a symbol life force and survival.

Legends and traditions

There was a belief that at one time the periwinkle, envious of the flowering of the violet and upset by the indifference of those around him, complained about his miserable position to Flora. She, in turn, took pity on the flower, decided to help him and endowed the periwinkle with large flowers and gave a life span longer than that of his rival - violets. Given this feature, people from time immemorial have idolized the plant, classifying it among the magical ones. It was believed that periwinkle flowers were able to exorcise various evil spirits (provided that they were collected at the appointed time), so they were sometimes hung over front door. The same way was followed to identify witches. Miraculous qualities were attributed to the flower only because of its extraordinary longevity, because people knew that the periwinkle would exist as long as there was at least a small drop of water in the vase, and if it was transferred from home to natural conditions, it would suffocate life force and take root.

Characteristic features of the periwinkle

Periwinkle is a flower that belongs to shrub or herbaceous species that have vertically standing shoots. The foliage is dense, leathery, maybe various shades green, the leaves on the stem are opposite each other. Occasionally, leaf color may be slightly mottled or have a creamy finish around the edge. Periwinkle flowers are solitary, relatively large in diameter. Flowers are the most common of blue color, however, the color range can vary from white to purple. The flower itself is funnel-shaped and has a long cylindrical tube. The peak of flowering falls on spring period year, it is at this time that the periwinkle becomes the most attractive, because the corollas of the plant reach for the sun rising up. Even when most specimens lose their attractiveness and wither, the flowering period of the plant does not end, as some flowers continue their active life throughout the growing season.

blooming periwinkle

The periwinkle bears fruit with leaflets (2 pieces) in the form of a cylinder. AT vivo growth, there are approximately twelve species representatives of this plant.

Variety of periwinkle

Large periwinkle (Vinca major)

This is one of the largest representatives, characterized by particular unpretentiousness. It can reach up to one and a half meters high, the place of residence is the south of Europe, Asia Minor and the north of Africa. The leaves are quite large - about 5 cm, leathery, dense. Flowers of light blue color, up to five centimeters in diameter, bloom in late May, early June.

Large periwinkle (Vinca major)

The view is not capricious, it can grow in a shaded area. The growth process is pretty fast. As a result of cultivation, varieties have been created that have yellow and whitish foliage. To save in the winter, the plant needs shelter, such as spruce branches.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

This species is particularly frost-resistant and non-capricious - ideal for beginner flower growers. The place of birth is considered to be the European continent and Asia Minor countries. All above-ground part plants are covered with dense leaves of an oblong shape of a dark green color, in winter time year does not die. The flowering period lasts from May to June.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle small is the owner of single flowers of heavenly color with a diameter of about five centimeters.

Due to the rapid growth process, the plant can be used as a cover for large areas. If you follow all the recommendations for care, then at the end of summer the periwinkle grass may bloom again.

There are garden forms of this representative - white-colored, red, red terry, variegated, terry with blue flowers, white-edged and golden-variegated. hallmark flowers are white, pink and dark red. Foliage can be silvery, yellow around the perimeter, or variegated.

Periwinkle pubescent (Vinca pubescens)

The most common habitat is the Caucasus, or rather its western side. This species is a lover of coastal forests, when interacting with open ground, it easily takes root.

Periwinkle pubescent (Vinca pubescens)

The peak of flowering falls at the beginning of summer and lasts for one month. Shoots in the process of flowering rise on the cover resulting from the interweaving of leaves and stems. Flowers in blue small size- up to three centimeters. AT autumn period the plant loses its foliage. In winter, there is a need to shelter the periwinkle pubescent to save young stems.

Periwinkle herbaceous (Vinca herbaceae)

The place of origin of the plant is the Crimean Peninsula, the Carpathians, the Caucasus and partly Europe. It blooms every year, while forming meter-long spreading stems with small leathery leaves of a dark shade of green. Creates a relatively loose cover of blue flowers.

Periwinkle herbaceous (Vinca herbaceae)

The flowering period is about a month. Lover of dry soils and enough lighted places. Negatively tolerates excess moisture in the soil. By the end of summer top part shoots takes root.

Pink Periwinkle (Vinсa rosea)

Evergreen bushy plant up to half a meter tall. Differs in vertical branched stems on which glossy leaves of dark green color with a white stripe in the middle are located. The leaves are about seven centimeters in size. Corollas color pink located in the axils of the upper leaves.

Pink Periwinkle (Vinсa rosea)

The flowering period of pink periwinkle is the beginning of spring time and ends in autumn time. A mature plant produces a fruit - a sickle-shaped achene.

by the most favorable time for planting the periwinkle is spring, although it is possible to sow it in the pre-winter period, even when most of the vegetation is at rest. Some prefer to plant a flower in the summer, but it is important to observe one condition - cloudy or rainy weather. When planting periwinkle grass in open ground, it must first be loosened and fertilized (for example, by applying), as the plant prefers fertile fertilized soils, slightly acidic or neutral. Due to its unpretentiousness, the flower will grow both in direct sunlight and in a shaded place.

Sowing a periwinkle is not difficult: for this, you need to make small grooves one centimeter deep, sow the seeds and sprinkle with earth, and then water them well.

Care when planting a periwinkle in the open field is quite simple. The plant needs regular watering, only if the weather is hot and there is no precipitation. If there is precipitation, even if infrequent, this is quite enough to maintain the vital activity of the plant. A member of the Kutrov family does not need weeding and disposal of harmful weeds, because he calmly tolerates coexistence with them. For better process tillering, you can periodically pinch both young and already quite mature shoots.

A positive effect on the flower will have timely top dressing in the form of mineral or organic substances, in this case the best vitamin for the plant there will, of course, be natural fertilizers, such as humus, leaf ground or the same compost.

At the end of the flowering process, the periwinkle must be trimmed and parts of the flower used for propagation by cuttings.

Periwinkle care (video)

Several methods are used to propagate a flower: by sowing seeds, planting cuttings, dividing the bush. As for the cuttings, for their planting good time is the spring period or the end of summer - the beginning of autumn. Landing is carried out at a distance of thirty centimeters between specimens. Those species that are classified as evergreens are reproduced with the help of fallen stems, while using the technique of horizontal layering, which should be sprinkled a little with soil, which will subsequently lead to rooting of the shoots. The process of reproduction by bush division is important to carry out before the growth of its shoots begins.

Periwinkle breeding. cuttings

When caring for a flower, you should not forget about the pests of the plant and its ailments. The most common among them is rust or powdery mildew, the main way to fight against these plant enemies is spraying with fungicides.

The division of the periwinkle and its landing (video)

Uses of the periwinkle flower

Periwinkle, despite its cuteness, also has useful, even healing properties.

It is an integral component of medicines aimed at the treatment of tumor formations and drugs that depress the body's immune system. Periwinkle medicinal is used against ailments associated with cardiac activity and vascular function; periwinkle pubescent lowers pressure in the blood vessels; periwinkle herbaceous is a herbal doctor for hypertensive patients. In addition to alkaloids, the plant includes tannins, anthocyanins, the flower is rich in organic acids and sugars, vitamins and mineral salts, steroids and phenolic compounds. It can be used for circulatory disorders in the brain, osteochondrosis, damage to the vascular system, schizophrenia, depression, etc.

When using a flower as a medicinal component, it is important to remember that it is a poisonous representative of the flora, and therefore it is imperative to consult a doctor before any use.

Oversaturation of the body with this herbal “medicine” can lead to problems with cardiac activity. Preparations containing periwinkle are strictly prohibited.

Periwinkle like medicine requires special care

Periwinkle is a perennial flower, once planted, it can bloom for more than one year without additional care. People traditionally decorate grave mounds with periwinkles, and its names “burial ground” and “coffin-grass” have taken root among the people. However, periwinkles are successfully grown in room conditions.

Indoor periwinkle flower is well suited for growing in greenhouses and for creating flower arrangements. Its long shoots with dark green or variegated oval leaves are able to form a beautiful hat, and spring bloom blue or white inflorescences look very impressive.

Most often, two types of flowers are cultivated in room conditions - periwinkle large and periwinkle small.

Periwinkle flower, how to care for it

The periwinkle flower does not like direct sunlight, as they can cause burns to its leaves. In summer, it is desirable to shade the periwinkle, and in winter to keep it in bright but diffused lighting.

Periwinkle is watered abundantly in summer, several times a week with warm, settled water. In winter, water less so as not to cause rotting of the flower roots.

The recommended summer air temperature at which the periwinkle flower feels great is 22-25 degrees, but in winter it is desirable to keep the plant in a cool room. Periwinkles can withstand a drop in temperature to 0 degrees for several days without consequences.

Periwinkles are fed 2-3 times every month, it is recommended to use a complex composition for feeding mineral fertilizers. They are propagated by cuttings or by dividing the bush during transplantation.

Transplanted indoor flower periwinkle, only when its roots densely braid an earthen ball. And, since the flower is poisonous, it must be grown in a place inaccessible to children or animals.