Vinca Minor

 Vinca Minor

Vinca minor is commonly known in Europe as the lesser periwinkle, dwarf periwinkle or merely common periwinkle. They are a small flowering plant native to Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the Baltic states, and southern Russia. In the United States of America, this plant is known as myrtle or creeping myrtle.

 Periwinkle is considered one of the most popular plants for ground cover in gardens. They are often used in bulb gardens, to provide cover for bulb plants before they sprout.

Vinca Minor plants form colonies that creep along the ground.

Their dense growth is also useful for smothering out unwanted creeping weeds. Periwinkles have waxy evergreen leaves that make them herbicide resistant.

 Although they can spread very quickly, they will not climb up walls or stone structures. They form roots as they spread, which makes them an excellent plant for preventing runoff and soil erosion. This plant can be grown on slopes or natural inclines as water buffers for streams or lower ground gardens. These hardy plants are also drought and deer tolerant.

 These plants can grow between 3 to 6 inches in height (7.5 centimeters to 15 centimeters) and can form colonies spreading 6 to 18 inches in width (15 to 45 centimeters.) These plants do best with full sun to partial shade, although they can tolerate full shade as needed. They also appreciate dry to medium soil with reliable drainage.

 This plants have an extensive flowering season, blooming intermittently from spring, through summer, and into the fall. USDA Zones 4-9.

Vinca Minor's flower provides a very distinct pop of color unique from other cover plants.

Their delicate lavender flowers are a welcome color in any garden. This plant has dark green oval-shaped leaves. The Vinca Minor plant can be invasive if proper care is not taken. This plant can tolerate low amounts of water and likes shady areas.

Vinca Minor make beautiful ground cover plants.

The Vinca Minor is shipped bare root.