Periwinkle isn’t just a pretty plant with blue-violet blooms, it’s one of the most versatile ground covers you can grow. Whether you need color under shade trees, a low-maintenance border, or a tidy container plant, there are countless uses for periwinkle in any garden. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant it, control it, and make the most of every periwinkle use in your yard.
Note: As long as it is not planted in full sun, periwinkle is an ideal groundcover for both large or small areas and under densely-rooted trees where little else will grow. For covering large, shaded beds or banks in a single season, fast-growing periwinkles are one of the best groundcover choices. They go especially well with hostas, ferns and spring bulbs.
Container Gardening
Periwinkle will grow in tubs or large clay pots on a shaded porch or patio. The large type is especially attractive in window boxes and hanging baskets, cascading down and filling in around colorful annuals.
Periwinkle also adapts beautifully to containers and shaded spots. Choose a pot or large clay tub placed on a shaded porch, patio, or the north side of your house. It makes an excellent choice when you’re planting vinca for shade, especially in areas where little other greenery will grow.
A standout variety is Vinca minor ‘Sterling Silver’ (also sometimes sold as vinca sterling silver). This cultivar features evergreen foliage edged in cream-white and small blue flowers in spring. It stays tidy in containers and is less aggressive than some larger varieties, yet still offers solid coverage and year-round interest.
When planting in a container:
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Use a well-drained potting mix and choose a container with a drainage hole.
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Space the plants so they have room to spread, allow 8–12 inches between plugs for a bold look in one season.
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Water well when planting, then once established, Sterling Silver is relatively low-maintenance in a shaded or part-shade container.
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Because it spreads from stems, containers help you control its reach, giving you that lush, full look without it escaping into the rest of your garden.
Does Periwinkle Spread
If you’ve ever planted Vinca minor (periwinkle) and watched it creep out of the bed, you’re not imagining things. Yes, periwinkle spreading is very much a thing, and periwinkles growth rate and behaviour mean it can get ahead of you. In some regions it is treated as a invasive species, so a little awareness goes a long way.
How it spreads
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The trailing stems of periwinkle root at the joints when they touch soil. That means new plants can appear from a stem itself, not just from seeds.
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It usually grows low (about 3-6 inches tall) but the mats can spread many feet across if undisturbed.
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In ideal shaded, moist conditions it can move quickly and form dense carpets that edge into lawns, garden beds or even natural areas.
Things to keep in mind
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Because of its vigour, this plant can become a nuisance if it’s not kept in check. Some extension services list it as invasive in certain zones.
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The ability to spread doesn’t always mean “run wild”, it depends a lot on how much space, light and competition you give it. In a well-managed garden, it can stay tidy.
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If you’re planting near natural areas or lawns, just keep an eye on runners escaping the bed and moving beyond the zone you want.
Quick check for your garden
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See runners or stems creeping out of your planting area? That’s periwinkle spreading.
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Do you ever get bare patches just beyond the edge of your planting bed filled with the same plant? That’s a clue.
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Want to limit its spread? Give it a defined border (edging, bricks, etc) or pull runners back regularly.
How to Get Rid of Periwinkle Ground Cover
If you’re dealing with periwinkle ground cover that’s spreading more than you’d like, here’s a friendly, clear how-to for handling it.
Why it becomes a problem
Because periwinkle as ground cover is hardy and spreads quickly, it can crowd out plants you really love, trap moisture too long, and create a thick mat that’s hard to dig through. It takes some effort to pull out periwinkle ground cover, but with a little patience, you can clear it bit by bit.
Step-by-step removal process
Cut or mow it down.
For large patches of periwinkle groundcover, start by cutting the stems near the soil line. This helps you reach the roots more easily.-
Dig up the roots.
The key with ground cover periwinkle is that the roots and stems often run underneath and will re-sprout if left in place. Use a shovel or garden fork and dig deep to lift out as much of the root system as possible. -
Get rid of all fragments.
With periwinkle for ground cover, even small bits of root or stem left behind can grow again. Remove any pieces you find so they don’t take hold elsewhere. -
Smother the area (optional but effective).
Cover the area where periwinkle ground cover grew with cardboard or thick mulch. Blocking sunlight helps stop any leftover roots from regrowing. -
Monitor and repeat as needed.
After removal, check the area regularly. Small sprouts of ground cover periwinkle may pop up again, pull them out right away to keep the patch from returning.
Extra tips
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Pick a cool, moist day for digging if you can, the soil’s softer and roots will come out more easily.
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Dispose of the removed material in a bag, not compost, if the pieces are large-and-spreading; that keeps the bits from re-starting elsewhere.
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Once you’ve removed the periwinkle as ground cover, fill the area with something you like: a new plant or mulch that you’ll enjoy looking at, so it doesn’t sit bare waiting for the next unwanted visitor.
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If the area is large and the roots run deep (with periwinkle groundcover especially), you may need two seasons of follow-up to be sure you’ve got it all. Patience pays off.
A few quick answers to common periwinkle questions
Are periwinkles poisonous to dogs?
Yes. All periwinkle plants, especially Vinca rosea and Vinca minor, contain toxic compounds called vinca alkaloids that are poisonous to dogs. Ingesting even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, or seizures. Keep periwinkle out of reach and contact a vet right away if your dog eats any part of the plant.
Can periwinkle be used as lawn replacement?
Yes, periwinkle as ground cover can be used as a lawn replacement in shaded or sloped areas where grass won’t grow. However, it spreads aggressively and is considered an invasive species in many regions. It also can’t handle heavy foot traffic. For safer, eco-friendly options, consider native ground covers like wild ginger, creeping phlox, or green and gold.
How to use periwinkle as medicine?
While periwinkle contains alkaloids used in cancer treatments, the raw plant is toxic and unsafe for home remedies. Medical drugs like vincristine and vinblastine are made from purified compounds under strict supervision. Never consume periwinkle teas or extracts at home, always seek professional medical advice before using any plant for treatment.
👉 Read more: Periwinkle - Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
From softening shaded corners to filling window boxes, uses of the periwinkle plant go far beyond simple ground cover. It’s durable, evergreen, and easy to care for, but it can spread quickly, so knowing where and how to grow it makes all the difference. With the right spot and a little upkeep, periwinkle will reward you year-round with color and calm, no matter the season.
