Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as Creeping Myrtle or Dwarf Periwinkle, is a hardy, evergreen groundcover widely appreciated for its ability to form a lush carpet of foliage and spring flowers in shaded or partially sunny areas. This classic, low-maintenance plant is ideal for covering ground where grass and other plants struggle.
Distinctive Features
Vinca minor typically grows 3 to 6 inches tall and spreads rapidly through trailing stems that root at the nodes. Its glossy, dark green leaves remain evergreen in most climates, providing year-round coverage. In early spring, it produces abundant five-petaled flowers in shades of violet-blue, creating a soft floral display against the foliage.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates some sun in cool climates
- Soil Type: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay conditions
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Ideal Uses
- Focal point groundcover for shaded beds or borders
- Erosion control on slopes or banks
- Underplanting for large shrubs or trees
- Low-maintenance filler for hard-to-mow areas
- Mass planting for weed suppression
Low Maintenance Care
- Shear back in early spring to encourage dense new growth
- Water regularly during the first year, then only during drought
- Mulch between plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Thin or divide as needed to manage spread
- Generally pest- and disease-free
Why Choose Common Periwinkle
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage
- Spring blooms add vibrant color to shaded areas
- Spreads easily for natural weed control
- Tolerates poor soils and low light conditions
- A reliable, low-maintenance focal point groundcover for challenging sites
Common Periwinkle delivers dependable beauty and utility with minimal upkeep, making it a go-to focal point for shaded gardens, woodland edges, and erosion-prone slopes.
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