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Vinca minor
Vinca minor
Vinca minor or Periwinkle Plants are a versatile, evergreen groundcover known for its glossy green foliage and violet-blue flowers, ideal for controlling erosion on slopes or filling shaded areas. Its drought-tolerant, deer-resistant nature makes it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes, providing year-round interest in both sunny and shady spots.
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Vinca Minor Plants for Sale Online
Evergreen Foliage and Cheerful Blue Blooms
Vinca minor, commonly known as Common Periwinkle or Creeping Myrtle, is a beloved groundcover prized for its glossy green foliage and soft violet-blue spring flowers. Blooming from mid-spring through early summer, it brightens shady areas where few other plants thrive. Even after the blooms fade, its evergreen leaves maintain color and texture all year long.
Tough, Spreading, and Beautifully Versatile
Growing only 4–6 inches tall, Vinca minor spreads by trailing stems that root as they creep, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat of foliage. It’s ideal for shaded slopes, beneath trees, or along walkways where traditional grass struggles. Its cascading habit also makes it an excellent choice for containers or raised beds.
Low-Maintenance and Drought-Tolerant Once Established
Once planted, Vinca minor requires very little upkeep. It tolerates a wide range of soils, resists deer and rabbits, and performs well even in dry, shaded areas after establishment. It’s a fantastic problem-solver for areas prone to erosion, thanks to its dense root network that helps stabilize soil naturally.
Perfect for Naturalistic and Formal Gardens Alike
This adaptable perennial suits woodland gardens, cottage landscapes, or even manicured beds. Its subtle blooms pair beautifully with hostas, ferns, and hellebores for layered color and contrast in the shade garden.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Selling Points: | Evergreen, flowering, spreads quickly, tolerant of all light conditions, fast growing |
| Details: | An evergreen ground cover that makes a thick carpet of trailing stems. Blue, periwinkle flowers rise just above the deep green glossy foliage in spring. This is an excellent ground cover for shady areas of the landscape. |
How to Care for Vinca minor
Before you buy a Vinca Minor Plants make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Vinca Minor?
To plant Vinca minor (Periwinkle), choose a location with well-drained soil in either full sun or partial to deep shade, as this adaptable groundcover thrives in a variety of light conditions. Start by loosening the soil and amending it with compost if necessary to improve drainage and fertility. Dig holes about 12-18 inches apart, ensuring each hole is deep enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plants in the holes, keeping the crown at soil level, and backfill with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly to help establish the roots, but avoid overwatering, as Vinca minor prefers soil that dries out between watering. Once established, Vinca minor requires minimal care, making it an excellent low-maintenance groundcover for large areas, slopes, or shaded spaces under trees. Its trailing vines will spread and form a dense mat, effectively controlling weeds and preventing soil erosion. Mulching around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds as they establish. Be mindful of spacing when planting, as this vigorous grower can spread quickly. Proper planting will ensure that Vinca minor thrives, providing lush evergreen foliage and beautiful violet-blue blooms throughout the growing season.
How should I Water Vinca Minor?
When watering Vinca minor (Periwinkle), it's important to maintain a balance between keeping the soil consistently moist during establishment and allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. After planting, water thoroughly to help the roots settle into their new environment, but avoid waterlogging the soil, as Vinca minor does not tolerate soggy conditions. During the first growing season, water regularly, especially in dry spells, to promote healthy root development. Once the plants are established, Vinca minor becomes quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and potential root rot. For mature Vinca minor plants, watering needs are generally low, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. In most cases, natural rainfall will suffice, but during extended dry periods or in very hot climates, occasional deep watering can help keep the foliage lush and vibrant. When watering, focus on the root zone rather than the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Proper watering practices will ensure that your Vinca minor groundcover remains healthy, resilient, and continues to provide its beautiful evergreen foliage and violet-blue blooms throughout the season.
How should I fertilize Vinca Minor?
To fertilize Vinca minor (Periwinkle), apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A general-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 formula provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Lightly sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plants, avoiding direct contact with the leaves, and water thoroughly to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. If you prefer an organic option, compost or well-rotted manure can be applied in a thin layer to enrich the soil naturally. Fertilizing Vinca minor once in early spring typically provides enough nutrients for the growing season, especially if the soil is already fertile. Once established, Vinca minor generally requires minimal fertilization, especially if it is growing in nutrient-rich soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive vine growth and reduce its blooming potential, so it’s best to apply fertilizer sparingly. For Vinca minor planted in poorer soils, a light mid-season feeding can be beneficial to encourage continuous growth and flowering. Be sure to water the plants after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots. By following a balanced fertilization routine, Vinca minor will thrive, maintaining its lush green foliage and producing an abundance of violet-blue flowers throughout the season.
How Do I Prune Vinca Minor?
To prune Vinca minor (Periwinkle), begin by trimming back any overgrown or leggy vines in early spring, before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the vines back to maintain the desired shape and size. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems to encourage healthy new growth. Pruning Vinca minor helps keep it looking tidy and prevents it from becoming too invasive, especially in smaller garden areas. If you’re using it as a groundcover, you can lightly prune throughout the growing season to control its spread and maintain a dense, compact form. Regular pruning of Vinca minor also helps improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases, particularly in humid climates. In late spring or early summer, after its main blooming period, you can deadhead spent flowers and trim back any long or unruly vines to promote additional flowering and keep the foliage looking fresh. Avoid heavy pruning during late summer or fall, as this can stress the plant before winter dormancy. With regular, light pruning, Vinca minor will continue to provide lush evergreen foliage and vibrant violet-blue flowers, making it a reliable and attractive groundcover for your garden.
