Vinca minor

Common Name: Myrtle, 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.

Height:

4.0-6.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-16.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Mid Spring Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Easy To Grow Ground Cover

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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.

Characteristics