Vinca Minor - Periwinkle

Vinca minor, also known as Periwinkle, is a staple in many gardeners’ toolkit. It is an exceptionally functional groundcover boasting evergreen foliage. It is very low maintenance and isn’t picky on planting spot. For tricky sloped spots, this plant’s tough root system makes for effective erosion control. Its super-fast spread rate will cover any barren or unsightly landscape that needs filling. As a lovely bonus, this plant pops out delicate purple star-shaped flowers every spring that can last throughout the summer.

Plant Details - Vinca Minor

Family: Apocynaceae

Light Requirement: Partial Shade – Full Sun

Water Needs: Dry to Wet

Height: 6-24 in.

Spread: 1-2 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Spring and Fall

Flower Color: Purple, violet, white

Wildlife Value: Prevents erosion, weed suppression

The hardiness of this plant leads it to being an evergreen perennial, making it a reliable groundcover all year long. While originally native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia, it has been introduced into many parts of North America. It is even found wild growing along woody hillsides due to its ability to thrive in partial shade conditions. To witness the full impact of the blooms, its flower output increases with the amount of sun it receives, so keep that in mind when deciding on its planting spot location.

Uses and Maintenance - Vinca Minor

Most often grown as a groundcover, Vinca minor spreads and self-roots like no other. It may require some pulling or dividing later in the season to help contain it. Although it is usually grown for its horizontal spread, this plant can also be trained to grow as a vine up structural support such as on a trellis or fence. This would not only add its usual unique interest to the garden in the spring with its lovely purple flowers but also could help to cover any unsightly structures all year long. This would require a little more time and effort, but the effect is worth it. This plant is truly what you make of it!

Noteworthy Characteristics

Vinca minor has memorable star-shaped flowers. Once you’ve been enchanted to meet this plant, you will easily spot it forever! Its foliage is a pleasant bright green that shoots up from adorable stems of 3-6 inches. This groundcover can transform a drab or dreary landscape into one filled with hope.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

Purple

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Care

Vinca minor, or periwinkle, thrives in well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Trim back any overgrowth to maintain a neat appearance and encourage dense, lush growth. Fertilize in early spring for best results.

Plant Reproduction

Vinca Minor spreads by sending out long shoots that root at the tips and nodes.

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