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Garden Plants for Arrangements: Periwinkle (Vinca major)

vinca-majorvariegataThis trailing perennial vine is native to the Mediterranean area where it grows in woodlands and hedgerows as well as on river banks. It is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that includes oleander but few other plants familiar to American gardeners. The dark green evergreen leaves are smooth, glossy, and l ½” long. The bright blue flowers with five petals appear in spring and are .75-1” across. Several cultivars are available providing white or pink flowers, and variegated foliage. The flexible, arching stems add a graceful line to arrangements or containers and the variegated form is especially valuable in winter when the cream markings of the leaves brighten mixed green arrangements. Perwinkle is a valuable ground cover for shady areas where it quickly fills in to form dense mats.

Cutting: No special needs
Conditioning: Burn or boil stem ends and then soak in deep water over night.
Preserving: NA
Cultivation:

Size: 6-8” , spreading

Light: Part shade

Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained

Hardiness: Zones 4-9

Propagation: Division; terminal cuttings of non-flowering stems.

Care: Low maintenance; watch for blight, canker, dieback, and leaf spot.

Recommended Reading:

Flowers: The Book of Floral Design
Tussie-Mussies: The Language of Flowers
The Complete Flower Arranging Book
The Flower Workshop
Infinite Succulents
Container Gardeners Handbook
The Plant Recipe Book
Seasonal Flower Arranging
Martha's Flowers
Discovering Dahlias
The Flower Recipe Book
Modern Faux Flower Projects
Flower School
A Year in Flowers
The Posy Book
The Little Flower Recipe Book
Flower Porn
Flower Chef
Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden