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Periwinkle Vs Lavender Plant: Everything You Need To Know

Do you know the connection between Periwinkles and Lavenders? They both boast wonderful purple blooms that are valuable for your garden and health!

Generally, Periwinkle and Lavender are similar in purple flowers with deeper symbolism and health and garden usages. But they are different in origins and care requirements. 

If you want to learn more about the Periwinkles and Lavenders, settle the debate of curiosity from the article below! 

Periwinkle Vs Lavender: Facts & Origins

The Periwinkle plant, also Vinca minor, is an evergreen perennial herb or subshrub settling a native distribution throughout Europe to the Caucasus.

It belongs to the plant family Apocynaceae and grows primarily in the temperate biome within the USDA zones 4-9.

On the other hand, Lavender (Lavandula species) is an evergreen perennial herb or semi-woody subshrub with a native distribution from Macaronesia to the Mediterranean and India.

Image illustrates growth habits of Periwinkle Vs Lavender
Periwinkles and Lavenders require direct sunlight for flowering.

Hailing from the Lamiaceae family, Lavenders grow in temperate biome along the USDA zones 5-10.

Although Periwinkles and Lavenders have different growth habits and conditions, they both sport purple and jolly summer blooms.

Some basic features of the Lavenders and Periwinkles are as follows.

FeaturesPeriwinklesLavenders
Height & Spread4-24 inches tall & few inches to 8 feet wide2-3 feet tall & 2-4 feet wide
Growth RateFastSlow to Moderate
Flowering SeasonEarly or Mid Spring or FallLate Spring to Early Summer or Up to Early Fall
LeafShape: Oblong to Ovate (Egg-Shaped) with Smooth Margins

Color: Green to Dark Green

Arrangement: Opposite Decussate

Texture: Glossy Leathery
Shape: Linear, Narrow, Elongated with Dented Margins

Color: Gray Green to Green

Arrangement: Opposite Alternate

Texture: Wooly or Hairy
FlowersInflorescence: Axillary Cyme

Color: Bluish Purple or White

Fragrance:
Sweet & Earthy
Inflorescence: Spike (Racemose)

Color: Purple or Dark Purple

Fragrance: Herbal, Sweet & Smokey
UsesGardening, Culinary & MedicineGardening, Culinary & Medicine

Benefits Of Planting Periwinkle & Lavender In Your Garden

Periwinkles and Lavender can benefit your garden in the following ways.

Good Deeds of Periwinkles In Your Garden

  • As a low-growing herb, Periwinkles perform as an excellent ground cover.
  • Thanks to their bright purple color, the blooms of Periwinkles attract a vast number of pollinators.
  • The root system of Periwinkle is deep and can fortify your garden soil, preventing erosion.
  • Flowers of Periwinkles have clinical uses and can be used as a food source.
Image illustrates benefits of Periwinkles and Lavenders
Periwinkle and Lavender both have medicinal and culinary benefits.

Good Deeds of Lavenders In Your Garden

  • Lavenders are excellent companion plants for fruits, vegetables, and other ornamentals.
  • Flowers of Lavender are aromatic and are excellent mood relaxants.
  • The fragrance and color of Lavender flowers also help to lure pollinators.
  • Due to their height, Lavenders can be ideal border plants in your garden sidewalks.
  • The medicinal benefits of Lavenders encompass culinary uses of oils, ointments, and dietary supplements.

Periwinkle Vs Lavender Flowers: Symbolism

The purple Lavender blooms represent the meaning of royalty, elegance, and grace.

Similarly, the blooms of purple Periwinkle symbolize feminity, serenity, and comfort.

Periwinkle Vs Lavender: Growing Conditions & Care

Periwinkle and Lavender have different growing conditions.

Growing Conditions & Cultural Care

Periwinkles grow in temperature biomes and need the following cultural care requirements.

  • Light: 5-6 hours of direct sunlight (with partial shade for the rest of the day)
  • Temperature: 40-80°F (threshold limit 15°F)
  • Watering: Weekly (in spring & summer) or when the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out (in fall & winter)
  • Humidity: 40-80% (ideal humidity 60%)
  • Fertilizer: Liquid feed monthly in spring & summer. Cut-off during fall and winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, porous & acidic to slightly basic (pH 5.5-7.5)
  • Pruning: Annually in spring, fall, or winter (post-flowering)
  • Repotting: Annually during spring in a 1-2 inches wider and deeper terracotta pot

Lavenders also inhabit temperate biomes but have slightly different growth conditions.

Image illustrates care requirements for Periwinkle Vs Lavender
Periwinkles and Lavenders have almost common growth requirements.
  • Light: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight (with partial shade for the rest of the day)
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (avoid temperature drops below 25°F)
  • Watering: Weekly (in spring & summer) & prevent watering during fall & winter 
  • Humidity: 20-35% (can tolerate up to 50%)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly with balanced liquid feed in spring & summer (avoid during fall & winter)
  • Soil: Well-draining, porous & slightly acidic to basic (pH 6.7-7.3)
  • Pruning: Annually in early spring (prior to bud formation) 
  • Repotting: Annually during spring in a 1-2 inches wider and deeper terracotta pot

From Editorial Team

Conclusion!

Lavender and Periwinkle flowers can be toxic if you consume them in large quantities without any health concerns.

Hence, to embrace the properties of these magical purple blooms, always use them in feeble amounts or consult your doctor first. 

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