Periwinkle

(Vinca minor)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 6 inches
Shape: Spreading

Evergreen foliage is glossy, dark green. Flowers are single and vary from purple to blue to white, depending on the variety.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 4 to 9
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include ground cover.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily. Rooted cuttings or established plants are normally spaced 12 inches apart.
Planting in the spring is recommended for areas with severe winters.
Flowers best in sunny locations, but locations with partial shade will prevent winter damage.

Care:

Weeding and/or mulching required on regular basis until ground cover fills in planted area.

Problems:

Susceptible to canker and dieback, although this does not frequently occur. Canker and dieback will turn shoots dark brown, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die back to soil level.
Leaf spot also occasionally occurs.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of VINCA MINOR:

`Alba' has white flowers.
`Atropurpurea' has purple flowers.
`Bowles Variety' has light blue flowers and clumpy growth.
`Variegata' has blue flowers and leaves variegated with rich yellow.

Related species:

VINCA MAJOR does well in central and southeastern Virginia. It has larger leaves and may flower more frequently.

Comments:

An excellent evergreen ground cover which blooms in April and sometimes again in the fall.
Stems root readily making this a fast spreader.
Commonly used for planting under trees and shrubs, on slopes, on the north side of buildings, near steps, and as a hanging plant.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061 #426-609 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Ground Covers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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