Lesser Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Also listed as Vinca humilis, Vinca intermedia
Also known as Lesser Periwinkle [plant], Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small dark green leaves and delicate purple-blue or white flowers in spring. It spreads slowly to moderately and is excellent for shaded areas, edging, and woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Vinca minor offers reliable evergreen coverage in deep shade where many groundcovers struggle, making it useful for stabilizing slopes and filling under trees. Compared to other shade-tolerant groundcovers like ivy or ajuga, it establishes more slowly but requires less aggressive management once established. Its fine texture and spring flowers provide visual interest with minimal maintenance in appropriate settings.
Watch out for
In areas with consistent moisture and rich soil, plants may become dense enough to harbor slugs and other pests. Performance varies widely by climate; in warmer zones it may flower sporadically or become leggy without occasional deadheading or cutting back.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small dark green leaves and delicate purple-blue or white flowers in spring. It spreads slowly to moderately and is excellent for shaded areas, edging, and woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lesser Periwinkle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Vinca minor offers reliable evergreen coverage in deep shade where many groundcovers struggle, making it useful for stabilizing slopes and filling under trees. Compared to other shade-tolerant groundcovers like ivy or ajuga, it establishes more slowly but requires less aggressive management once established. Its fine texture and spring flowers provide visual interest with minimal maintenance in appropriate settings.
Watch out for
In areas with consistent moisture and rich soil, plants may become dense enough to harbor slugs and other pests. Performance varies widely by climate; in warmer zones it may flower sporadically or become leggy without occasional deadheading or cutting back.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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