Vinca

Sunset

Vinca minor

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Zones vary by species.

Full, Partial

Moderate, Minimal

Periwinkle
Apocynaceae
Evergreen, Ground covers, Perennials, Flowers

Trailing, arching stems that root where they touch soil make these plants useful as ground and bank covers. Shiny dark green, oval to oblong leaves. Lavender-blue, five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped flowers appear in leaf joints in early spring. Plant the larger species and its varieties 2–2 1/2 ft. apart, dwarf kinds 1/2 ft. apart. When plantings mound up or are layered with old stems, shear or mow before new spring growth begins. Will grow in almost any soil. Compete successfully with surface tree roots.

Vinca major

The larger, more aggressive species. Leaves to 3 in. long, flowers to 2 in. across; mounds to 1–2 ft. high. Spreads rapidly; can be extremely invasive in sheltered, forested areas.

Vinca minor

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Vinca minor

Miniature version of V. major, with 3/4–1 3/4-in.- long leaves, flowers to 1 in. wide, and a height of just 4–6 in. More restrained, less likely to invade adjacent plantings.