Photo: 日:Jnn, CC BY 2.1 jp · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Greater periwinkle: when and how to prune
Vinca major
Greater periwinkle is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | March–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Greater periwinkle: when to prune it?
Cut it back hard in March, before new growth starts. For the rest of the year, only trim runners that stray too far.
What else to prune in those months? March
Greater periwinkle: how to prune it?
- In March, cut the whole carpet back to 10–15 cm with hedge shears or a mower on its highest setting; this keeps it dense and bushy.
- Remove old, bare or damaged stems.
- During the season, cut back long runners that grow over paths or other plants.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Greater periwinkle flowers in March–June, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Put clippings on the compost heap and never dump them in the countryside: cut stems root easily. Greater periwinkle is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Greater periwinkle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.