| Common Names | Vinca minor, periwinkle, creeping myrtle, dwarf periwinkle |
| Botanical Name | Vinca minor |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen, perennial |
| Mature Size | 3-6 in. tall with trailing vines up to 18 in. long |
| Sun Exposure | Full, partial, shade |
| Soil Type | Loamy, sandy, clay |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | Blue, lavender, purple, white |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-9 (USDA) |
| Native Areas | Europe |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
Vinca Minor Care
Vinca minor vines have a low sprawling habit, typically growing three to six inches in height and 18 inches in length. The stems of these plants root at their joints as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to become a pretty flowering ground cover.
These vines are often planted beneath mature trees. Drought-tolerant, they won’t compete with tree roots for moisture. This shade-loving species provides coverage for troublesome bare spots, with the bonus of a spring floral display. Because of their ability to root and spread, they can help hold soil in place, making this a great choice for slopes.
To grow vinca minor, plant it in nearly any amount of sun or shade, just make sure you plant in well-draining soil. Water in times of drought, and fertilize somewhat regularly during the growing season.
Warning
Vinca minor is considered an invasive species in parts of the United States. Consult your local cooperative extension office before planting to learn the status of the plant in your area.
Planting
Plant vinca minor in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. A location with any amount of sun or shade is sufficient. Dig a hole that’s larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, backfill the hole with soil, and then water in the plant.
Light
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade.
Soil
Vinca minor vines require good drainage. Space them about a foot apart if you want to fill in an area quickly. Achieving vigorous growth is usually not difficult for these plants.
Indeed, the very fact that they grow so well can sometimes be a problem. They will thrive in soils rich in compost, but they will tolerate poorer soils.
Water
Water this plant often shortly after planting it, and once it’s established, you can water less. Watering is only needed when the first few inches of soil dry out. You may need to water more often during the longest, hottest days of the year.
While the plants will grow better in moist soils, its vines are pretty drought-tolerant once mature.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers average humidity levels. Vinca minor is perennial in zones 4 through 9 and prefers temperate climates.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer gives vinca minor a boost, making its foliage a more brilliant green and possibly encouraging more blooms.
Fertilizing your vinca minor monthly with an evenly balanced fertilizer may be helpful if your soil lacks sufficiently rich organic matter, but it is not necessary since vinca minor does well in poor soil, too.
Types of Vinca Minor
There is another species of Vinca that’s very similar to this plant, in addition to several cultivars.
- Vinca major is often called greater periwinkle. It has larger leaves and larger flowers thanVinca minor.
- V. minor ‘Honeydew’ has chartreuse leaves and tubular flowers.
- V. minor ‘Variegata’ has variegated leaves that are dark green with cream around the edges.
- V. minor ’24 Carat’ is known for leaves that are gold when they emerge.
Pruning
Pruning vinca minor in spring manages its unruly growth and prepares it to put out healthy growth in the upcoming season. You can prune quite aggressively, not just removing dead or leggy material but also cutting back most of the plant. Some even prune it by putting their lawnmower on the highest setting and mowing right over it.
Propagating Vinca Minor
Vinca minor can be grown from seed, but it grows slowly. You can propagate this plant by taking cuttings or by division. Note that nursery plants are usually readily available for this species.
Propagating by Cuttings
- Sever a 6-inch, healthy cutting with clean pruners.
- Optionally, dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a small pot of moist but well-draining potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet until the cutting roots.
- Transplant the cutting once established.
Propagating by Division
- Dig up the host plant that you wish to divide.
- Using your hands (or a trowel if needed), manually divide the plant into multiple plants.
- Plant the divisions immediately.
- Pat down the soil around the plant roots, then water thoroughly.
Potting and Repotting Vinca Minor
Vinca minor can easily be grown in pots, hanging baskets, and containers. The type of container is not important, as long as it has drainage holes and the soil itself is a well-draining mix.
You will know the plant needs to be repotted when roots are growing out of the drainage hole or out of the top layer of soil. When repotting, choose a pot that’s only two or three inches wider than the current vessel.
Overwintering
Vinca minor is hardy down to zone 4. It won’t survive winter in colder zones. If you’re in one of its cooler perennial zones, considering mulching around the plant before winter to protect its roots from unexpectedly chilly winters.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Vinca minor will attract all the typical indoor and outdoor pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control any infestations.
The vine is also susceptible to wilt and dieback, which is typically caused by fungal diseases. Vinca minor could also experience canker lesions on the stem. Fungal leaf spots can also attack the leaves, but an infected leaf can be cut off and thrown away. To avoid fungal problems, water the soil, not the leaves.