Periwinkle Plants

Periwinkle, or Vinca Minor, is also known as creeping myrtle. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is native to Eastern Europe. This perennial is often used as a ground cover because it is fast-spreading and resistant to wildlife like deer.

Periwinkle Is A Stunning Evergreen Ground-Cover

This ground cover is best known for its lush, green foliage and flowers during the spring and summer. The color depends upon the variety but can include blue, white, and pink. The U.S.D.A. hardiness zones recommended for this ground cover are 4 to 9, and it grows best in well-drained soils.

Periwinkle Is A Fast Grower

When planted 4 to 6 inches apart, this vine will form a thick ground cover and be approximately 4 to 6 feet off the ground when fully mature. It also grows best if pruned back in spring because it returns quickly.

It is also a good option for areas near pathways and concrete porches. It is also helpful in controlling erosion and thrives on sloping hillsides.

Botanical Latin Name: Vinca minor

Common Name: Myrtle, Creeping Myrtle, or Vinca are also common names.

Sun Exposure: Best at partial sun to full shade. It will not tolerate full sun.

Hardiness Zones: U.S.D.A. zones 3 to 8. 

Periwinkle Loves Shade

Periwinkle performs best in rich, moist, well-drained soils from partial to full shade. Once established, it is easy to adapt to any average soil. The sturdy evergreen ground cover can tolerate moderate droughts.

Mature Height: It will grow at maturity to about 6 inches tall.

Spread Up to 3 feet in diameter for each one with dense foliage.

Spacing: Plugs should be planted about 1-foot foot apart from each other.

Growth Rate: Vinca Minor has a footedium growth rate.

Flowering Time: Some flowers are still produced into fall, from early spring (late March to early April) to mid-summer.

How Long It Flowers: 8 to 12 weeks of spectacular colors will stay on display.

Periwinkle Has Stuninning Purple-Blue Flowers

Flower Color: It is called periwinkle for its flower. Its color predominates blue-purple but can also be reddish-lavender or white. The purple flowers are solitary and made of five attractive petals measuring 2 to 3 cm in diameter with a short tubular neck. They produce follicles, the fruit measuring up to 2.5 cm in length.

As an evergreen ground cover, Vinca Minor is a trailing perennial that can occasionally mount up to 40 cm from the ground. It will never climb. The opposite leaves are glossy dark green with a wax leathery texture responsible for the outstanding dense foliage known to the evergreen Vinca.