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Periwinkle (Vinca minor or Vinca major), also known as creeping myrtle, is a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to plant and care for periwinkle successfully.

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1. Choosing the Right Location
• Light Requirements: Periwinkle thrives in partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5). It can grow in poor soil but thrives best in fertile, loamy soil.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart for dense coverage.

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2. Preparing the Planting Site
1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds, grass, and debris from the planting site to reduce competition.
2. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the top 6-8 inches of soil to encourage good root growth.
3. Amend the Soil: If the soil is heavy clay, mix in compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

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3. Planting Periwinkle

From Nursery Pots:
1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the plant’s root ball.
2. Remove the plant from the pot and gently loosen the roots.
3. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.

From Cuttings (Propagation):
1. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy periwinkle stems.
2. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
3. Plant the cuttings directly in soil or start them in a pot with moist potting mix.
4. Keep the soil moist and place in a shaded area until roots develop (2-4 weeks).

From Seeds:
• Periwinkle is slow to grow from seed and is rarely propagated this way. If using seeds, sow them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or directly in warm soil outdoors.

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4. Watering & Mulching
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first few weeks. Once established, periwinkle is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering (about 1 inch per week).
• Mulching: Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the stems.

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5. Maintenance & Care
• Pruning: Trim back overgrown or leggy stems in early spring or late summer to promote bushier growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to fewer flowers and excessive foliage.
• Weed Control: Once established, periwinkle naturally suppresses weeds, but hand-pull any unwanted growth in the early stages.

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6. Potential Problems & Solutions
• Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent mold and root rot.
• Invasiveness: Vinca can spread aggressively. To prevent unwanted spread, trim back runners and plant in contained areas.

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7. Overwintering (for Cold Climates)
• In zones 4-6, provide a light mulch cover in late fall to protect against harsh winters.
• In warmer zones (7-11), periwinkle remains evergreen and requires no special winter care.

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By following these detailed planting and care instructions, your periwinkle should thrive and create a lush, low-maintenance ground cover. Let me know if you need additional tips!