Growing a periwinkle in a pot

What type of pot? What size?

Vinca, although it tolerates dry soil in open ground, blooms better in moist soil. The substrate dries quickly in a pot, especially in a porous terracotta pot. It may be preferable to opt for other pot materials to retain moisture a bit longer. However, if you choose a terracotta pot that is significantly larger than the small nursery pot of the vinca, the substrate will take longer to dry due to its volume; terracotta is suitable for a while, until the plant has developed well and its roots absorb water much more quickly.

Use a pot with drainage holes or drill a few holes yourself if it doesn’t have any.

Choose a pot that is wider than it is tall, as vinca is a low-growing plant that spreads significantly. A pot 20 cm deep is sufficient; for the width, it’s up to you to decide how much area you want it to cover, as there are no limits!

Hanging pots are well-suited to the habit and growth of the trailing and cascading vinca.

Vinca in pot

What substrate?

Very accommodating in open ground, periwinkle benefits, and so do you, from a slightly draining substrate that retains enough water to keep it a bit cool without needing constant watering.

You can choose to grow it in 100% quality horticultural compost with good water retention. You can also create a mix of 30% compost, 20% compound, 40% garden soil, and 10% sand to improve drainage, or a similar blend.

Also, equip yourself with clay balls and an organic mulch.

Create a water-retaining substrate for periwinkle

When and how to plant?

Where do you install your periwinkle?

Vinca tolerates all exposures, with a preference for partial shade, where it is more floriferous than in full shade. In full sun, it requires more frequent watering, especially in pots. If you can provide it with this partial shade, that is ideal, but the other two exposures also work, provided you avoid the hottest hours in summer or full sun in the warmest regions.

Watering and fertilising?

To support flowering, water your periwinkles in spring. Between waterings, allow the substrate to dry several centimetres down in the pot, even halfway down the pot, then water again.

In summer, water occasionally if the weather is dry to prevent the foliage from drying out.

If the plant flowers again in autumn, water as needed.

No fertiliser for periwinkles; they grow fast enough on their own!

Maintenance

Vinca require little maintenance, except perhaps trimming the stems that extend beyond the pot when they appear unsightly or too long.