Periwinkle is a light purple-blue color that takes its name from the periwinkle flower. The periwinkle plant has flowers that can range in shade from light lavender to a medium shade of purple-blue. The name “periwinkle” refers specifically to the common periwinkle plant (Vinca minor), but it also refers more generally to any of the plants belonging to the genus Vinca. The color periwinkle is a pale tint of indigo that lies halfway between blue and lilac on the color wheel. Determining the exact hue of periwinkle can be somewhat subjective since it falls right between two other shades. But most would describe it as a soft mix of purple and blue.
Defining the Periwinkle Color
In order to define periwinkle more accurately, it helps to look at how the color is classified in some common color-coding systems. Here are a few key facts about the periwinkle color category:
- Periwinkle is listed as a shade of blue in the 1930 book by R. Ridgway, “Color Standards and Color Nomenclature.”
- On the RGB (red, green, blue) color wheel used for digital and web colors, periwinkle has an approximate hue code of RGB(204, 204, 255).
- In the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a standardized color reproduction system used for paints, inks, and fabrics, periwinkle is listed as PMS 2727 C.
- The Crayola crayon color “periwinkle” was introduced in 1958. This crayon shade has a hex triplet code of #C5D0E6.
- In HTML for web design, periwinkle colors have hex codes ranging from #CCCCFF to #B4BDDC.
So while periwinkle occupies a range on the color spectrum, these standard color codes help pin it down. Most definitions place it midway between violet and blue with a slightly greater lean toward blue.
Periwinkle vs. Lavender and Lilac
Since periwinkle falls in between purple and blue hues, it is often compared and confused with other light or soft shades of purple like lavender and lilac:
- Lavender is a light purple or violet shade that is more saturated and brighter than periwinkle. It contains less blue undertones.
- Lilac is also light purple but compared to periwinkle it is cooler and crisper because it has more blue undertones.
- Periwinkle is the most subtle blue-purple mix of these three colors. It is paler, cooler, and more subdued than lavender and lilac.
This table summarizes some of the main differences:
| Color | Hue | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Purple/violet | Light, bright |
| Lilac | Purple/blue | Cool, crisp |
| Periwinkle | Blue/purple | Pale, soft |
Periwinkle Color Meaning and Symbolism
What does the color periwinkle represent? Here are some of the key meanings and associations of this tranquil blue-violet shade:
- Serenity, calm – The subdued, cool hue conveys a sense of serenity.
- Mystery – Periwinkle evokes a sense of mystery and imagination.
- Spirituality – In color psychology, purple is associated with spirituality and intuition.
- Femininity, delicacy – It represents traditionally feminine virtues like daintiness and delicacy.
- Romance, longing – Periwinkle suggests romantic nostalgia or longing.
- Death, mourning (in some cultures) – Its historical ties to flowers link periwinkle to funeral traditions in some countries.
- Creativity, wisdom – The color often symbolizes creative expression and acquired knowledge.
So while perceptions vary, periwinkle tends to evoke relaxation, nostalgia, sentimentality, and traditional feminine qualities.
Use of Periwinkle in Design and Fashion
How is periwinkle used in various industries? Here are some of the creative ways the color turns up in design and fashion:
- Interiors – Periwinkle works beautifully in home decor accents. It brings a soft tranquility to bedrooms, living spaces, and nurseries.
- Landscaping – The color makes a refreshing accent in gardens. Periwinkle flowers add a misty, romantic touch.
- Paints – Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and other paint brands offer periwinkle shades for walls and furnishings.
- Textiles – Periwinkle dyed linens, curtains, and upholstery tap into the color’s cool, relaxed vibe.
- Cosmetics – Makeup brands like Revlon and Estée Lauder offer periwinkle eyeshadow, nail polish, and lip colors.
- Fashion – Designers often use periwinkle accents in feminine apparel, lingerie, and footwear.
Periwinkle’s soft hue allows it to bridge color categories and fit into many stylish color schemes for fashion, decor, and more.
Periwinkle Flowers and Plants
As noted earlier, periwinkle gets its common name from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). Here are a few more facts about this lovely periwinkle flower and other plants bearing the name:
- There are 8 known species of periwinkle plants, including Vinca major (big periwinkle) and Vinca minor (common periwinkle).
- The periwinkle flower has five pinwheel-shaped petals that can be white, purple-blue, lavender, or reddish-purple.
- Though native to Europe, periwinkle is a common ground cover plant in American gardens. It spreads rapidly and can become invasive.
- Periwinkle flowers bloom in early spring. They are said to represent blossoming friendships and sentimental memories.
- In folk medicine, dried periwinkle leaves have been used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
So in both name and nature, periwinkle the color is tied to the prolific periwinkle plant with its pale, prolific blossoms.
Conclusion
Periwinkle is a delicate blue-violet hue midway between purple and blue. Its soft, cool tone evokes serenity, romance, and nostalgia. Periwinkle takes its name from a flowering plant known for its abundant blooms in the same pale hue. While it can be confused with lilac or lavender, periwinkle is generally identified by its more subtle blue character. This versatile color turns up in fashions, home decor, cosmetics, and a range of creative applications where its feminine, dreamy tone sets just the right mood. So next time you admire its tranquil beauty in a garden or design, you can match the color to its name and appreciate the nuances that make periwinkle unique.
