Product description
Vinca Minor Atropurpurea is an amazing low-growing, evergreen perennial that forms a dense mat of beautiful dark green leaves. It is also known as Myrtle or the Lesser Periwinkle. It's trailing, yet compact habit allows it to fit in difficult corners of a garden. It blooms very attractive deep purple flowers that are unique and highly ornamental. Being less vigorous than its other cousins, Vinca Minor is an excellent choice for groundcover in small gardens.
This Lesser Periwinkle produces ovate and glossy, dark green leaves that will hug the ground like a blanket. This extremely pleasing blanket of leaves is studded with 5-petalled deep-purple flowers that appear on long stalks. The flowers continue to bloom sporadically in summer and autumn, and its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. It is a vigorous grower but not invasive like Vinca Major.
Vinca Minor Periwinkle is can tolerate shade very well. Plant it in full sun and its leaves will be prone to scorching. It can adapt to any soil, still, it prefers any moist soil that is well-drained. It is a tough plant that will thrive in sheltered or exposed shady positions, provided the soil is not excessively dry.
This low growing plant requires only occasional maintenance once it is established. The new plants that form can be relocated to a new position with ease. Prune this Periwinkle in spring to cut back hard using a mower to give it a limited spread.
Vinca Minor is a wonderful plant that provides lustrous floral display throughout the year. It is ideal in containers and hanging baskets. It is a perfect choice for suppressing weed and for covering ground, particularly in the shady corners of a garden.
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune vinca plants regularly to encourage dense growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
How to Water
Water vinca regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and needs less frequent watering. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause fungal issues.
How to Plant
Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant, and backfill with soil. Firm gently and water thoroughly. Space plants 15-30cm apart for ground cover or in containers for potted displays.