Periwinkle, or as it’s commonly known, the forget-me-not flower, is a beloved flower with a rich history and symbolism. This guide will explore the origins, meaning, and care instructions for this delicate flower, as well as its significance in different cultures.
1 What is the Periwinkle Flower?
Origin and Meaning of Periwinkle
What is the periwinkle flower? How many types are there?
The periwinkle flower, also known as the cúc cánh mối (wing-cuckoo flower) in Vietnamese, is a member of the Asteraceae family and the Cineraria genus. Its delicate, thin petals resemble the wings of a cuckoo bird, hence its Vietnamese name.
Periwinkle is native to Europe and Asia, with a particularly strong presence in Italy. In Vietnam, it is predominantly grown in Da Lat, as the region’s cooler climate suits the flower’s preferences.
Characteristics and Classification of Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a perennial shrub with an average height ranging from 15 to 50 cm. Its distinctive features include multiple thin, spreading petals and long, lance-shaped leaves. This flower thrives in colder climates.
Characteristics and Classification of Periwinkle
There are multiple varieties of periwinkle, each with its unique charm. They can be distinguished by their color, with common hues including white, purple, pink, yellow, and blue-violet.
The flower’s simple beauty represents innocence and purity, making it a symbol of protection and fragility for young women and girls.
Meaning by Color
Meaning of Periwinkle by Color
Purple Periwinkle: Represents simplicity, sincerity, and closeness in love. It symbolizes the ideal, true love between couples and their commitment to each other.
White Periwinkle: Signifies purity and innocence, capturing the essence of young women who are shy and in need of protection.
Pink and Blue Periwinkle: These colors stand for good luck and prosperity. They also convey admiration and respect for the recipient.
Meaning in Different Countries
Meaning of Periwinkle in Different Countries
Greece: In Greek culture, periwinkle is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the household. It is often placed in sacred areas or burned to drive away malevolent forces.
England and Germany: In these countries, periwinkle is seen as a symbol of magic and strength. It is commonly used to decorate gardens and homes.
France: The French associate periwinkle with the eyes of Christ. They often place the flower on the graves of soldiers as a tribute to their sacrifice.
United States: In the US, periwinkle is the flower for the month of September and is also given to celebrate the 20th wedding anniversary.
The Legend of the Periwinkle Flower
The Legend of the Periwinkle Flower
The periwinkle flower’s rich symbolism is rooted in a tragic love story. In a village, a young couple grew up together and fell in love. One day, the girl asked the boy to bring her the beautiful purple flowers she had spotted on a cliff. As he climbed to reach the flowers, he fell to his death but managed to turn around and whisper, “Forget me not.”
Heartbroken, the girl took the flowers home and cared for them while grieving for her lost love. Her sorrow eventually took her life as well, and they were reunited in death. Thus, the flower came to symbolize undying love and devotion, and it is often given as a gift on anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.
2 Uses of Periwinkle
Uses of Periwinkle
The periwinkle flower’s elegance and friendly nature make it a popular choice for various occasions:
Valentine’s Day: A bouquet of periwinkle represents commitment and devotion in a relationship.
Birthdays: Periwinkle conveys warmth, respect, and a desire for closer connections.
Anniversaries: The flower’s simplicity and sincerity make it an ideal gift to celebrate the milestones of a loving relationship.
3 How to Grow and Care for Periwinkle
Growing Periwinkle at Home
Growing Periwinkle at Home
There are two main methods for growing periwinkle: seed germination and cutting propagation. However, due to its soft, shrub-like nature, cutting propagation can be challenging and may harm the plant. Therefore, seed germination is the preferred method.
When selecting seeds, choose healthy, shiny seeds without any scratches or damage. Soaking the seeds in warm water can stimulate faster germination.
Prepare the soil by digging holes of appropriate depth—not too deep, as this may hinder the seedling’s ability to break through. Place the seeds in the holes, cover them with soil, and water them with warm water.
Note: Plant the seeds in a well-ventilated area with moderate sunlight. Water the seeds regularly, and within a week, you should see the seedlings breaking through the soil. From there, basic care will be sufficient for the plant’s growth.
Caring for Periwinkle
Caring for Periwinkle
For the best results, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure annually. You can also add coconut fiber or rice husks to improve drainage and aeration.
When watering, it’s best to divide the total water volume into smaller amounts and water the plant multiple times to avoid over-saturation. Always use clean water without chemicals.
Notes on Growing and Caring for Periwinkle
Periwinkle thrives in sunny conditions, so choose a bright, sunny spot for your plant.
To prevent leaf-eating insects from damaging your periwinkle, purchase insecticides and dilute them before spraying the plant.
4 5 Beautiful Images of Periwinkle
Periwinkle, also known as Cúc Cánh Mối
Periwinkle thrives in colder climates
Periwinkle is native to Europe and Asia
Periwinkle is a perennial shrub
Periwinkle’s thin, spreading petals
We hope you enjoyed learning about the periwinkle flower. If you’re inspired to grow your own, follow the care instructions above, and don’t forget to share your beautiful results!
