Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) is a vigorous, evergreen mat-forming perennial with glossy dark green leaves and large lavender blue flowers from mid-spring to early summer. Borne over a long period, they continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall and are valuable for enlivening dark areas. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Excellent for suppressing weeds, this vigorous periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used groundcovers.

• Forms a mat up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm). Plant 8 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Plant 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) to cover large areas.
• 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 (to prevent erosion) or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs too!
• A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer 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.