Periwinkle (Vinca Rosea Dwarf Little Bright Eyes) - This little annual is not shy about blooming! It can flower continuously for months no matter how hot the temperatures climb. Periwinkle easily establishes from ground cover seeds, and it is especially useful for the southern or desert climates or hard to maintain hot spots near a concrete wall or driveway. The flowers are white, 1 - 2 inches across, 5-petals and have a bright carmine red center. Periwinkle uses include: containers, window boxes, edging the front of the flower bed, and as a general ground cover plant. No deadheading is needed to keep the blooms coming!

Grow Vinca Rosea seeds indoors 6 - 10 weeks before the last frost is expected. Cover the Vinca Periwinkle seeds with 1/4 inch of potting mix, spray with water to moisten and press down lightly.  At about 2 - 3 inches tall, transplant the strongest plants into individual pots. Periwinkles can be moved outside once the temperature is consistently above 65F degrees. Directly sowing Periwinkle seeds is not recommended, but if you choose to direct sow, follow the same steps as above. Wait until danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warm, and prepare the soil well so that it is light and fine. Water Periwinkle regularly to get it established, but once it is established, it is very drought tolerant. Vinca Periwinkle ground clover plants readily re-seed themselves.