Product Description
Vinca minor Bare Root Plant
Common names: Periwinkle, lesser periwinkle, dwarf periwinkle
- Height: 6-18 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Full Sun to Shade
- Prefers Part Shade to Shade in Southern Zones
- Semi-Evergreen in Northern zones
- Tolerates most soil conditions
Vinca minor, a member of the Apocynaceae family, is a hardy, low-maintenance, trailing vine perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia.
Vinca minor is a low-growing, quick spreading, semi-evergreen plant that can reach a height of 6-8 inches. It has green, glossy leaves and periwinkle blue flowers that bloom in spring and summer, with sporadic flowering in late summer through fall. The flowers are about ½" x 1½ inches and have a sweet fragrance.
Easy-to-grow in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil, but grows best in fertile, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Once established Vinca is drought-tolerant and may withstand hot, dry conditions. Vinca major is also deer-resistant and pest-resistant.
Vinca minor is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular choice for groundcover, borders, erosion control, and containers. It is also a good choice for edging or underplanting larger plants.
Vinca minor, commonly known as Common Periwinkle or Creeping Myrtle, is a beloved evergreen groundcover renowned for its ability to thrive in shade and its charming lavender-blue flowers. This low-maintenance plant forms a dense mat of glossy foliage, effectively suppressing weeds and adding year-round color to your landscape.
Vinca minor is a classic groundcover that has been gracing gardens for centuries. It features trailing stems with small, oval, dark green leaves that create a lush, carpet-like effect. In spring, it produces delicate, pinwheel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers that add a touch of charm to shady areas. This plant spreads by rooting along its stems, forming a dense mat that effectively smothers weeds and prevents soil erosion. It is a vigorous grower, making it an excellent choice for quickly covering large areas.
- Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall, spreading indefinitely
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Lavender-blue
- Bloom Time: Spring, with sporadic rebloom throughout the summer
- Growth Habit: Trailing, spreading groundcover
- Light Needs: Full sun to full shade (tolerates deep shade)
- Soil Needs: Adaptable to various soil types, prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Special Features: Evergreen, shade tolerant, weed-suppressing, erosion control, low maintenance, attractive flowers
Planting:
- Timing: Plant in spring or fall for best results.
- Location: Vinca minor is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade. It performs well in areas with at least partial sun but can also tolerate full shade.
- Soil Preparation: While adaptable to various soil types, amending the soil with compost or other organic matter will improve drainage and fertility, leading to healthier growth.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit. Closer spacing will result in faster coverage.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until it is established.
Care:
- Watering: Once established, Vinca minor is relatively drought-tolerant, but it benefits from consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Water deeply but infrequently.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is typically required. Trim any stray stems or prune lightly to maintain shape and control spread. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.
- Pest and Disease Control: Vinca minor is generally pest and disease resistant. However, watch for occasional issues like stem blight or leaf spot.
Uses in the Garden:
- Groundcover: Ideal for creating a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover in shady areas.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system helps stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
- Foundation Plantings: Can be used as a low-growing foundation planting around homes or other structures.
- Borders and Edging: Adds a neat, defined edge to pathways or flower beds.
- Woodland Gardens: A natural choice for woodland gardens, adding texture and color to the understory.
- Containers and Hanging Baskets: Can be grown in containers, adding a trailing element to patios and balconies.
Important Note: While Vinca minor is a valuable groundcover, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions. It is essential to monitor its growth and control its spread as needed to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Create a beautiful and functional groundcover with the versatile and easy-care Vinca minor!
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
