The Complete Guide To Periwinkle Flower Meaning And Symbolism

The humble periwinkle flower, often seen in gardens across Singapore, holds profound meanings. Known scientifically as Vinca, it symbolises everlasting love, deep friendship, and cherished memories. 

This guide explores its rich history, the significance behind its different colours, and its place in our modern lives. Whether you have received them as a gift or simply admire them, understanding the periwinkle's symbolism adds a layer of appreciation for this beautiful, enduring bloom.

The Primary Meanings of the Periwinkle Flower

The periwinkle flower may be small, but its message is powerful. This delicate bloom carries some of the most profound sentiments we can share with one another. It speaks of love that lasts, friendships that can be trusted, and memories that we hold dear. 

Understanding these core meanings allows us to appreciate the flower not just for its beauty, but for the emotions it represents. It is a quiet communicator of feelings that often go unsaid.

A Symbol of Everlasting and Enduring Love

A periwinkle is one of the flowers that symbolise love. This symbolism comes from the plant’s own nature. The periwinkle is an evergreen, which means its leaves stay green and vibrant all year round. It doesn't fade with the seasons.

This constant, unchanging nature is a perfect metaphor for eternal love. It represents a bond that survives challenges and the passage of time. This love is not just about fleeting romance. It also speaks to the deep, enduring affection we feel for our family and closest companions.

Because of this meaning, periwinkle flowers are a thoughtful choice for anniversaries or weddings. They add a subtle yet powerful message to a bouquet. They say that your love is steadfast, loyal, and meant to last forever. It’s a promise of a connection that will not wither.

A Token of Cherished Friendship and Trust

The periwinkle is also a powerful emblem of true friendship. Its simple, open-faced bloom is seen as a sign of honesty and sincerity. There are no hidden layers, much like in a pure and trusting friendship.

Gifting a periwinkle to a friend is a way of acknowledging the strength and purity of your bond. It communicates a message of trust and loyalty. It says, "I value our friendship, and I know I can count on you." This flower celebrates the kind of friendship that feels like family. It is a bond built on mutual respect and genuine care.

In a world where life can be complicated, the periwinkle reminds us of the beauty of simple, honest connections. It honours the friends who stand by us, offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s a beautiful tribute to the people who make our lives richer.

A Flower of Remembrance and Sweet Memories

Periwinkle flowers have a strong connection to nostalgia and memory. They often evoke feelings of sweet, fond memories from the past. Looking at them can transport you back to a cherished time or place.

Perhaps they remind you of a grandparent’s garden or a peaceful moment from your childhood. This connection makes the periwinkle a flower of gentle remembrance. It is not a symbol of sadness or grief. Instead, it represents the beautiful act of holding onto positive memories.

This flower helps us honour the people and moments that have shaped us. It encourages us to look back with warmth and gratitude. Because of this gentle meaning, periwinkles are sometimes planted in memorial gardens. They serve as a living tribute to a loved one, celebrating a life filled with happy moments and lasting love.

The Meaning Behind Different Periwinkle Colours

The colour of a flower adds another layer to its message. The periwinkle blooms in several beautiful shades, and each one brings a unique meaning. From the classic purples to pure whites, understanding the symbolism of each colour can help you choose the perfect flower for any occasion or sentiment. It allows you to tailor your message with even greater care and thoughtfulness.

Blue and Purple Periwinkle

The most common shades of periwinkle are blue and purple. These flowers are associated with peace. A blue periwinkle can symbolise serenity and calmness. It can also represent achieving a long-held dream or goal, reflecting the peace that comes with accomplishment.

Purple periwinkles carry a touch of mystique. Historically, purple is the colour of royalty, nobility, and spirituality. A purple periwinkle can therefore represent enchantment or a deep spiritual connection. It suggests a bond that is both special and profound. Giving someone a purple periwinkle can be a way of saying you find them captivating and unique.

White Periwinkle

Like many white flowers, the white periwinkle flowers symbolise purity and innocence. Its clean, crisp colour speaks of fresh starts and new beginnings. This makes it a wonderful flower to celebrate a new chapter in life. You could give it for a new home, a new job, or the birth of a baby.

The white periwinkle also represents sincerity and pure intentions. It conveys a message of honest, heartfelt emotion. When you give someone a white periwinkle, you are expressing a genuine and untainted feeling, whether it is love, friendship, or gratitude. It is a simple, elegant flower that carries a message of pure goodness.

Pink and Red Madagascar Periwinkle

The Madagascar Periwinkle, or Catharanthus roseus, is the variety we see most often in Singapore. It thrives in our tropical climate and blooms in stunning shades of pink and red. These vibrant colours carry meanings of affection and love.

Pink periwinkles often symbolise youthful love, happiness, and gentle affection. They are perfect for expressing the early stages of a romance or a sweet, harmonious friendship. They have a joyful and playful energy.

The deeper red shades of periwinkle represent passion, protection, and strength. A red periwinkle is a wonderful gift for a romantic partner. It communicates deep love and a desire to protect the person you care for. It adds a touch of passion to the periwinkle’s traditional meaning of everlasting love.

The Periwinkle in History and Folklore

The periwinkle flower has a long and fascinating history. Its meaning and symbolism are woven through centuries of folklore and tradition. This rich past gives the flower a depth that goes beyond its simple appearance. Exploring its history helps us understand why it remains such a powerful symbol today. It has been used for protection, in secret languages, and as a part of cultural beliefs for generations.

Ancient Beliefs and Protection

In ancient times, many cultures believed the periwinkle had protective powers. In Europe, it was often called the "Sorcerer's Violet." People thought it could ward off evil spirits, negative energy, and even witches.

It was common practice to hang wreaths of periwinkle on doors and windows. This was done to protect the home and the family inside. People would also carry the flower with them as a personal charm for safety.

This belief in its protective qualities gave the flower a sense of power and magic. It was seen as more than just a pretty bloom; it was a guardian. This historical association with protection adds a layer of strength to its modern symbolism. It suggests a love and friendship that is not only enduring but also protective.

Symbolism in the Victorian Language of Flowers

During the Victorian era in Britain, flowers were used to send secret messages. This practice was called floriography, or the language of flowers. Every flower had a specific meaning, allowing people to communicate feelings that couldn't be spoken aloud.

In this intricate language, the periwinkle held a special place. It was often used to represent sentimental memories of the past. Giving someone a periwinkle could be a way of saying, "I remember our time together fondly."

It was also used to signify the start of a new friendship. It was a gentle invitation to form a bond, filled with promise and trust. The periwinkle allowed people to express delicate emotions with grace and subtlety, a testament to its enduring role as a messenger of the heart.

Growing Periwinkle Flowers in Singapore

The periwinkle is a wonderfully resilient flower, making it a popular choice for gardens in Singapore. Its ability to thrive in our warm, humid climate means you can easily enjoy its beauty at home. Whether you have a large garden, a balcony, or just a small corridor space, growing periwinkles is a rewarding experience. It brings colour and meaning right to your doorstep.

Choosing the Right Variety for a Tropical Climate

When you decide to plant periwinkles in Singapore, it is important to choose the right variety. The classic European periwinkle, Vinca minor, prefers cooler climates and may struggle here.

The best choice for our tropical weather is the Catharanthus roseus, also known as the Madagascar Periwinkle. This variety loves the sun and heat. It is incredibly hardy and will produce beautiful blooms all year round. You can easily find it at local nurseries in a wide range of colours, including white, pink, red, and purple. This is the familiar periwinkle we often see in parks, along roadsides, and in HDB gardens.

Simple Steps for Care and Maintenance

Caring for the Madagascar Periwinkle is straightforward, which is great for both new and experienced gardeners. It doesn't ask for much, but a little flower care will ensure it flourishes.

• Sunlight: Periwinkles are sun-lovers. Find a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some partial shade, but they will produce the most flowers in full sun. A sunny HDB corridor or balcony is an ideal location.
• Watering: These plants are quite drought-tolerant once they are established. However, in our heat, they do appreciate regular watering. Water them when the top inch of the soil feels dry. The most important thing is to ensure the pot has good drainage. Periwinkles do not like to have "wet feet," as this can cause root rot.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. You can buy a standard potting soil from any nursery and add some sand or perlite to improve drainage. This helps prevent water from pooling around the roots.
• Fertilising: Periwinkles are not heavy feeders. A slow-release fertiliser applied every few months is usually enough to keep them happy. Alternatively, you can feed them with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half-strength every few weeks during their growing season.

Conclusion On Periwinkle Flower Meaning

The periwinkle is much more than just a common garden flower. It is a beautiful symbol of some of life's most important emotions. It represents everlasting love, sincere friendship, and the sweetness of treasured memories. 

Its different colours allow us to share nuanced messages, from pure innocence to deep passion. This small, resilient bloom is a testament to how even the simplest things in nature can hold the most profound meanings.

At Singapore Florist, we can guide you in choosing the perfect bouquet that captures the essence of the periwinkle's message. Speak with our floral designers to craft a bouquet that tells your unique story. 

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Periwinkle Flower Meaning

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of a Periwinkle Flower?

Spiritually, the periwinkle flower is often associated with eternity, protection, and reminiscence. Its evergreen nature links it to the concept of immortality and everlasting spiritual connections. In history, it was believed to ward off negative spirits, giving it a protective spiritual meaning. It also encourages peaceful reflection on past memories, promoting a sense of spiritual calm and continuity.

What Does Periwinkle Symbolise?

Periwinkle primarily symbolises everlasting love, enduring friendship, and fond remembrance. Its evergreen leaves represent a love that never fades. As a gift, it can signify deep trust and loyalty between friends. The flower is also tied to sweet memories of the past, making it a symbol of nostalgia and gentle reminiscence.

What Is the Story Behind the Periwinkle Flower?

The story of the periwinkle is rooted in European folklore. It was known as the "Sorcerer's Violet" in the Middle Ages and was believed to have magical properties, particularly for protection against evil spirits. In Italy, it was called the "flower of death" and was used in garlands for the deceased, symbolising immortal love and remembrance. It was also prominent in the Victorian language of flowers, used to convey messages of sentimental memories.

Is Periwinkle the Flower of Death?

While it has been associated with death in some cultures, it is not a symbol of doom or sadness. In historical Italian tradition, it was placed on graves to symbolise the immortality of the soul and everlasting love for the person who had passed. Its meaning is one of peaceful remembrance and the continuation of love beyond life, rather than being a dark or negative symbol.

Why Is It Called Periwinkle?

The name "periwinkle" is thought to derive from the Old English name "pervince," which itself comes from the Latin word "vincire," meaning "to bind" or "to wind about." This likely refers to the plant's growth habit, as it is a creeping vine that spreads and binds the ground with its stems. This name perfectly captures its nature as a trailing ground cover.

What Is the Flower of Friendship?

Many flowers can symbolise friendship, but the periwinkle is a strong candidate due to its association with trust and loyalty. However, the most universally recognised flower of friendship is often the yellow rose. Other flowers that symbolise friendship include Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) for devotion and support, and Zinnias for thinking of an absent friend.