Vinca, commonly known as Periwinkle, is a vigorous evergreen perennial, highly valued as a low-maintenance groundcover. The most common varieties are Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) and Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle). It forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves on trailing stems, which root where they touch the soil. Star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of blue, purple, or white, bloom profusely from spring and often sporadically through summer and autumn. It’s an excellent choice for suppressing weeds, stabilising banks, and planting under trees where not much else will grow.
Care Tips:
- Position: Thrives in partial to full shade, though it will tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. Full sun often encourages more flowers.
- Soil: Very adaptable, but prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid constantly soggy or waterlogged conditions.
- Watering: Water regularly until established. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant, but water during prolonged dry spells to keep the foliage lush.
- Pruning: To control its spread and encourage dense growth, cut back the long, trailing runners aggressively in early spring. Remove any cut stems from the ground, as they can root and continue to grow.
- Usage: Use it where its vigorous spreading is a benefit—on slopes, under mature trees, or in hard-to-access areas. Due to its invasive nature, use the less aggressive Vinca minor variety in mixed garden beds.
