Vinca minor |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Myrtle
Common Name (Alternative): Periwinkle |
An excellent, weed-smothering, evergreen groundcover with small, solid dark green leaves. From mid to late spring, lovely lavender-blue flowers about the size of a nickle appear just above the foliage, creating a tranquil effect.
Vinca spreads by creeping across the ground and rooting at each node that touches the surface. This makes it an excellent plant to use for erosion control on slopes. Once established, it is a no-maintenance plant.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
4-6 Inches
Spread:
12-16 Inches
Flower Color:
Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Rapid
When should it bloom?:
Mid-spring
Late spring
Looking for seasonal interest?:
Evergreen (in some or all zones)
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Woodland/Shade
Eclectic
Vincas are very adaptable plants. They can survive in any well-drained soil, but grow the best in ones that are fertile and loamy with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. In northern regions, vinca can be grown in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to dense shade. It is best to choose a site out of the way of drying winter winds and sun in these cooler zones. In the south, vinca should be grown in moderate to dense shade.
Plants can tolerate occasional drought, but flower more prolifically if they receive a deep watering periodically. Mow them in the fall for fuller plants with fresh foliage. Propagate by division any time and keep them watered until they are well-rooted.