periwinkle plant in pot Vinca minor

periwinkle plant in pot Vinca minorVinca minor inhabits much of North America. The name was probably derived from a Latin word meaning "to bind." Vinca minor is commonly known as dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or death myrtle. It does contain toxic substances, but so do many other common ornamental plants. Nevertheless, vinca is toxic if ingested. Certainly, as a ground cover, it is very effective for erosion control. Vinca prefers moist soil in partial shade to full shade but will

Vinca minor inhabits much of North America. The name was probably derived from a Latin word meaning "to bind." Vinca minor is commonly known as dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or death myrtle. It does contain toxic substances, but so do many other common ornamental plants. Nevertheless, vinca is toxic if ingested.

Certainly, as a ground cover, it is very effective for erosion control. Vinca prefers moist soil in partial shade to full shade but will also tolerate sun and drought. It is deer resistant. Periwinkle does well in shallow soil, even where tree roots render it difficult to cultivate.

If planting it for erosion control, try to mitigate the water flow until the plants are established, otherwise the water might dislodge them.

Periwinkle can be planted any time of year. Even so, you should water occasionally until the plants become established to avoid drought stress. Maintenance is minimal. Periwinkle has few pest and disease problems and tolerates poor soil.

Because it is so common, folks often overlook it, unless it’s found growing where they don’t want it. As I’ve often said, “it does what a ground cover is supposed to do; it covers ground.” Periwinkle is popular precisely because it is so effective, attractive, and requires practically no maintenance.

Plants in 3-1/2 inch pots are the right choice for planting small to medium-size areas for quicker coverage.

Name(s): Vinca minor, Creeping Myrtle, Periwinkle.

Flower Color: Blue.

Bloom Time: Spring to fall, blooms repeatedly.

Foliage: Evergreen.

Height/Spread: 4 inches to 6 inches x 18 inches.

Climate Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Find Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone By Zip Code

Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade.

Soil Condition: Well-drained to dry, average to poor, pH 6.1 to 7.8.

Features: Drought tolerant, deer resistant.

Uses: Xeriscaping, massed planting, ground cover, container gardens.

Comments: Vinca minor, also known as Periwinkle or Creeping Myrtle, is a popular ground cover solution. It is native to Central and Southern Europe. This evergreen trailing vine spreads quickly. 

We can not ship this item to Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.