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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
Vinca minor, commonly known as Periwinkle Plants or Dwarf Periwinkle, is a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover prized for its glossy green foliage and charming violet-blue flowers. Growing to a height of 4-6 inches and spreading up to 18 inches wide, this versatile plant is ideal for covering large areas, filling in gaps, or controlling erosion on slopes. Vinca minor produces an abundance of blooms in spring, with sporadic flowering throughout the growing season, adding vibrant color to shady or sunny areas. Its dense, trailing growth habit helps suppress weeds, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, Vinca minor thrives in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to deep shade, and prefers well-drained soil. This adaptable ground cover is drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for dry, shaded areas where other plants may struggle. Whether used as a groundcover in wooded areas, under trees, or in rock gardens, Vinca minor provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and persistent flowering. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions and minimal water needs make it a popular choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
In addition to its beauty and functionality, Vinca minor is deer-resistant and resilient against pests, making it a reliable option for gardens prone to wildlife. Its trailing habit also allows it to cascade over retaining walls or fill containers, adding texture and color to vertical spaces. Perfect for mass plantings, borders, or erosion control, Vinca minor offers a lush, low-maintenance solution for a variety of garden settings, bringing both practicality and beauty to your outdoor space.
| 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.
