Vinca minor f. alba (Lesser Periwinkle)
Mat forming, Vinca minor f. alba (Lesser Periwinkle) is a prostrate evergreen perennial with long trailing stems clothed with neat, ovate, dark green leaves. The stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of lustrous foliage. Blooming from spring to early fall, 5-petaled, single, pure white flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), emerge above the foliage. Borne over a long period, they contrast well against the foliage and are valuable for enlivening dark areas.
Mat forming, Vinca minor f. alba (Lesser Periwinkle) is a prostrate evergreen perennial with long trailing stems clothed with neat, ovate, dark green leaves. The stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of lustrous foliage. Blooming from spring to early fall, 5-petaled, single, pure white flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), emerge above the foliage. Borne over a long period, they contrast well against the foliage and are valuable for enlivening dark areas.
- Forms a mat up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. Dry soil and drought tolerant.
- Excellent choice as a groundcover, for banks and slopes or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs too!
- A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer and rabbit resistant.
- No serious pest or disease issues. May be subject to aphids or rust.
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
- Vinca minor species is native to Europe and Asia.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Vinca – Periwinkles |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ – 36″ (60cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |