Vinca is a low-growing plant that tolerates sunny and shady spots. It bears oval, dark green leaves and flowers in shades of blue and white from spring to autumn. It's often used in shade gardens, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover.

Plant facts

  • Common name: Vinca or periwinkle
  • Botanical name: Vinca minor
  • Zones: 4 to 9
  • Size: To 6 inches tall; spreads several feet
  • From: Areas of Asia
  • Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane family)


Growing conditions

  • Sun: Full sun to full shade; a bit of shade is best in hot-summer areas.
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained soils are best, but the plants adapt to a wide range of conditions.
  • Moisture: Water during times of drought.


Care

  • Mulch: A layer of mulch over the soil helps prevent taller weeds from growing through the vinca.
  • Pruning: Not necessary.
  • Fertilizer: Fertilizer is generally unnecessary except in very poor soils or where you want extremely fast growth.


Propagation

  • Division: Divide plants in spring or autumn.


Pests

  • Aphids: These small insects often appear in large numbers on new growth. Spray them off daily with a stream of water; they will not attack a plant after being knocked off. Use an insecticidal soap or neem-oil spray if infestations are severe.
  • Slugs/Snails: Slugs and snails chew leaves at night. To deter them, surround plants with a ring of horticultural-grade diatomaceous earth. Some people lay copper strips around plants, but this not always successful. If slugs are not particularly numerous, set out shallow containers of stale beer at ground level. Slugs are attracted to beer; they will crawl into it and drown.


Garden notes

  • If the soil is especially fertile, vinca spreads quickly. When planting this ground cover, give it plenty of room to spread.
  • This plant is considered an invasive weed in some areas. Check for any local restrictions before planting.


Selections

  • Vinca minor ‘Atropurpurea': Grows to about 6 inches tall with dark green foliage and dark blue-purple flowers in summer. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Bowles' White': Grows to about 6 inches tall with dark green foliage and white flowers. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Gertrude Jeckyll': Has a compact habit, growing 6 inches tall with dark green foliage and white flowers. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Illumination': Grows to about 6 inches tall with brightly variegated golden leaves and blue flowers. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘La Grave': Grows to about 6 inches tall with dark green foliage and blue-purple flowers in summer. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Multiplex': Grows to about 6 inches tall with dark green foliage and double dark purple flowers. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert': Grows to about 6 inches tall with dark green foliage edged in silver and blue-purple flowers. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Vinca minor ‘Sterling Silver': Grows to about 6 inches tall with attractive variegated foliage and light blue flowers in summer. Zones 4 to 9.