Vinca minor

Lesser periwinkle

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5-10cm

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Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

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Benefits according to our specialist

Prevents weeds
Low maintenance
Evergreen
Fast-growing

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our specialists?

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Plant features Vinca minor

Lesser periwinkle

Genus
Vinca (periwinkle) (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
March, April, May, June

Flower colours
Blue

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Underplanting, Slope

Soil type
All soil types (well-drained)

Positioning
Semi-shade, Shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-20,6°C / -15,0°C , USDA zone 6b/7a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
9

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Creeping wide-spreading growth habit

Plant height on delivery (excluding root system)
5-10

Mature height (cm)
20

Latin name
Vinca minor

Common name
Lesser periwinkle

Synonym of common name
Running myrtle

Art. no.
1001209

Toxic
See frequently asked questions

Description Vinca minor | Lesser periwinkle

The Vinca minor, commonly known as the lesser periwinkle or running myrtle, is a versatile and attractive evergreen groundcover, ideal for a variety of garden settings. With its charming blue flowers and lush green foliage, this species is a favorite for gardeners looking to create a tapestry of year-round color.

Native to Europe and the Caucasus region, Vinca minor thrives in a range of conditions and adds a touch of elegance to any landscape design.

Key Features

The Vinca or running myrtle offers several noteworthy features that make it a must-have for garden enthusiasts:

A robust evergreen groundcover, it maintains its lush green foliage throughout all seasons, bringing life to your garden even in the coldest months.
The lesser periwinkle flourishes in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained.
Its stunning blue and purple flowers bloom prolifically from March through June, adding a splash of color to borders, group plantings, and slopes.
The species exhibits a creeping growth habit that spreads widely, making it an excellent choice for sub-planting under taller plants or covering larger areas.
It is a low-maintenance plant, with average water needs and a capacity to grow in full sun, partial shade, or shade.

Tips

To encourage healthy growth and spread of Vinca minor, consider dividing the plant in spring or autumn. This will rejuvenate the plant and help maintain its vigor.
When planting, space the individual plants sufficiently to allow for their creeping growth habit, ensuring they can establish themselves and cover the desired area effectively.
Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, as the lesser periwinkle is not drought resistant and benefits from consistent moisture levels.

Planting & care Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Blue flowering ground covers. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Blue flowering ground covers for a long time.

Ideal placement of a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Vinca minor flourishes in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even in full shade, making it an extremely versatile ground cover. For optimal growth, it should be planted in well-drained soil, though it is adaptable to most soil types. This evergreen species is ideal for creating lush underplantings in borders or group plantings and is particularly effective for controlling erosion on slopes. While it has an average water need, it is not drought-resistant, necessitating regular watering during prolonged dry periods.

How do I plant a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)?

To establish Vinca minor, select a well-drained site that can accommodate its creeping growth habit, in full sun to full shade. Plant it in pots or directly in the ground, spacing the plants approximately 15-20 cm apart to allow for spreading. The soil should be prepared by loosening and amending with organic matter if necessary. After planting, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage establishment. This species thrives with moderate watering, especially in dry periods. In spring or autumn, propagation can be performed by division or semi-ripe cuttings to maintain vigor and encourage dense coverage.

Pruning a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Pruning of Vinca minor is generally minimal, focusing on the removal of dead or unwanted growth to maintain a tidy appearance. Due to its creeping, widespread growth habit, occasional thinning may also be beneficial. This evergreen species can be lightly pruned in early spring to stimulate fresh growth and improve flowering. However, care should be taken not to prune too heavily, as this can reduce the lushness of its foliage and the vibrancy of its charming blue or purple flowers during the blooming season.

Watering a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Vinca minor requires consistent moisture to thrive but is tolerant of a range of watering conditions once established. During establishment, ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, as good drainage is crucial for the health of the plant. After the initial period, water the plants during extended periods without rainfall to maintain an average moisture level. Overwatering or poor drainage can be detrimental, so monitor the soil moisture regularly. The evergreen foliage suggests that even in cooler seasons, the plant should not be left to dry out completely, though less frequent watering is necessary during these times.

Fertilising a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

To ensure the sustainability of its evergreen foliage and the production of vibrant blue and purple flowers, Vinca minor benefits from an appropriate fertilizing regimen. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring can support the plant's needs throughout its peak growing and flowering season. Opt for a fertilizer that is designed for use with evergreen groundcovers or one that is formulated to encourage blooming in flowering plants. Care should be taken to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates, as over-fertilization can be detrimental to growth. Since Vinca minor is versatile in soil preference, additional feeding is typically not necessary unless the soil is particularly poor. In such cases, a second application in mid-summer can help maintain plant vigor and floral displays.

The characteristics of a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Vinca minor is a charming ground cover that adapts well to less sunny spots in the garden, thriving even in partial shade. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round color, while the periwinkle-blue blossoms add a delightful touch each spring. A light trim after flowering can stimulate a bushier growth and encourage a second bloom. This species is often appreciated for its ability to prevent soil erosion, making it a practical and attractive choice for slopes and banks.

Separating/dividing a Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

To propagate Vinca minor effectively, division is a favored method. Ideally performed in the spring or autumn, this process involves lifting the plant from the soil and separating it into smaller sections. Each division should have a good amount of roots and shoots to ensure successful re-establishment when planted back into well-drained soil. This technique not only stimulates fresh growth but is also essential for maintaining the health and vigor of the plant. With its creeping, widespread growth habit, division helps manage the spread and density of this evergreen ground cover.

Frequently Asked Questions Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

What will be the height of Vinca minor?

Vinca minor typically grows to a height ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters.

What will be the width of Vinca minor?

Vinca minor can achieve a spread of 1 to 1.5 meters at its full maturity.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Vinca minor?

Vinca minor can adapt to various soil types, but it flourishes best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage allows for optimal growing conditions for this plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Vinca minor?

Vinca minor, also known as periwinkle, is a plant that is adaptable to various light conditions. It can thrive in locations with direct sunlight, partial shade, or even in shady areas. This plant offers the flexibility to be grown in different light settings, making it suitable for a wide range of garden environments.

What is the flowering colour of the Vinca minor?

Vinca minor displays lovely blue flowers, adding a delightful touch of color to the plant.

Is the Vinca minor hardy?

Vinca minor demonstrates winter hardiness, with an ability to endure temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C. This places it within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. Consequently, Vinca minor is well-equipped to withstand the winter weather conditions in these regions, provided that it is not exposed to temperatures lower than the indicated range.

Is the Vinca minor evergreen?

Vinca minor is indeed evergreen. This means that the plant maintains its green foliage throughout the year, providing a constant splash of color in your garden or landscape.

What is the growth strength of the Vinca minor?

Vinca minor typically takes 2 to 5 years to reach its ultimate height. This suggests that it is a plant with a moderate growth rate, gradually achieving its full stature over a few years.

Is Vinca minor poisonous?

Attention: This plant may contain toxic substances. Ingestion or contact with its sap may pose health risks, especially for children and pets such as cats and dogs. We recommend keeping the plant out of reach of children and animals and wearing gloves when repotting or pruning. In case of exposure, contact a doctor or veterinarian if necessary. This information is intended as a general safety warning.

Packaged with love, for you! Our plant packaging

At Heijnen Plants, we value strong packaging just as much as strong plants. That’s why we use sustainable, water-resistant packaging made from rPET plastic: a lightweight, fully recyclable material that has already had a second life. These packages protect the plants during transport from damage and dehydration.

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Hedge plants, trees, large plants and grass

If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.

Small to medium-sized plants

We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.

The ideal variety for you

Buy Vinca minor

Embrace the charm of Vinca minor, a delightful ground cover plant known for its resilience and graceful periwinkle blooms. Its glossy, evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty and understated elegance.

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