Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Also known as
Myrtle, Creeping Myrtle, Flower-Of-Death Alikreukel (Afr.), Lesser periwinkle, Running myrtle, Trailing myrtle
Photo by lovely_libianthus (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
20cm | Max | 1.5m |
30cm | Min | 1m |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Periwinkle
Periwinkle Overview
Vinca minor is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial from the Apocynaceae family. It is grown for its violet flowers. This plant is often found in the wild in Northern Europe. Commonly known by the names Lesser Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle and Creeping Myrtle, amongst others. Lesser Periwinkle has pretty blue, white or purple star-shaped flowers and is an attractive fast-spreading groundcover. Once established, it is drought-resistant and needs little other care. This plant can survive in full sun to partial shade can be propagated a variety of ways.
Common problems with Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle can be bothered by leafhoppers, scale insects, aphids, leaf spot, rust, and dieback.
How to harvest Periwinkle
Seeds can be harvested by bagging the seedheads to capture the ripening seeds.
How to propagate Periwinkle
Division
Divide in early spring or mid-to late-autumn by dividing the rootball.
Seed
Direct sow seeds in autumn. Winter sow in vented containers, cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Stratify seeds if sowing indoors.
Layering
By simple layering - place a rock on a growing stem to keep contact with soil and it will root soon.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings take easily if placed in a glass of water on the windowsill or placed in sandy rooting medium.
Special features of Periwinkle
Drought resistant
This plant is drought tolerant once established.
Ground cover
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Periwinkle
Ground cover, banks, ornamental. Spring/Summer interest.
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