Periwinkle (Vinca minor) [VIN-kah MY-nor] |
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| Other Names | common periwinkle, creeping myrtle |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Description |
Periwinkle is an herbaceous perennial evergreen ground cover in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. Originally from Europe, its dainty blue-lavender flowers appear against the backdrop of luxurious dark green leathery foliage in spring and early summer and intermittently throughout the year. The plant tolerates high heat and close to full shade, but prefers full or partial sun, although its leaves can tend to yellow in full sun. Plant in moist, organic soils. When using as a groundcover, plant 8 inches apart for quick cover of smaller areas and 12 to 18 inches apart for large areas. While often used as a ground cover for large natural areas and around trees it grows quickly and aggressively rooting at the nodes and can become weedy. |
| Named Cultivars | Vinca minor 'Alba', Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold', Vinca minor 'Bowles', Vinca minor 'Burgundy', Vinca minor 'Dart's Blue', Vinca minor 'Emily Joy', Vinca minor 'Honeydew', Vinca minor 'Illumination', Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert', Vinca minor 'Sterling Silver', Vinca minor Atropurpurea, Vinca minor f. alba 'Gertrude Jekyll' |
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| Plant Data | |
| I am a... | Evergreen Perennial Vine-like shrub |
| Where to Find It | There is a small amount of Periwinkle south of the southernmost path in the woods. |
| How to Recognize It | Periwinkle is a classic attractive, durable vine-like trailing evergreen ground cover which you see in many yards. It sometimes escapes cultivation, forming mats along the forest floor. Flowers have five blue or lavender petals, blunt at the tip, arranged in a spiral. |
| Why to Like | Periwinkle has spread around the world because of its durability and pretty, long-lasting blue flowers. It sometimes escapes from the garden, though, and ends up in wild areas like Crow Island Woods. |
| Mature Size | 3 - 6 inches tall. 6 - 18 inches wide. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun Exposure | Full Shade - Full Sun |
| Moisture Tolerance | - Medium: |
| Zones | 4a - 8b |
| Tags | Deer Resistant, Dry Shade Tolerant, Evergreen, For a Shady Spot, Ground Covers, Low Maintenance, Most Popular, Non-Allergenic, OK in Containers, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant, Winter Interest, Yellow Foliage |
| Bloom Period | Spring, can rebloom a bit in Summer |
| Flower Color | Periwinkle blue |
| Foliage Color | Dark Green
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| Data Sheets | |
| Links | |
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Using Vinca in the Garden (YouTube) Vinca minor entry (Wikipedia) Introduction to Vinca Minor (YouTube) |
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More Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr |
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