Vinca is a tough, reliable ground cover that offers evergreen foliage and spring flowers. The most common flower color is periwinkle blue (perhaps the reason for the common name periwinkle) and they also come in white and wine purple.
The flowers cover the plant in spring and make a smaller show in fall. Vinca is also a great spiller for containers with year round interest. Some varieties such as 'Illumination' or 'Wojo's Gem' have leaves variegated with gold or cream, and really add some pop to containers and dark corners.
Vinca thrives in our climate, and can be aggressive. Both Vinca minor and Vinca major are listed by the City of Portland as category B on their nuisance list. Vinca is not on state noxious weed list. This being said it is best to plant and maintain Vinca responsibly. Perhaps a shaded bed that is close to Forest Park or other public area is not the best place.
Abandoned patches of Vinca have been know to grow into our forested parks and abandoned lots. Because Vinca is so durable, flexible, and evergreen it is valuable in the garden.There is nothing quite like Vinca trailing over the edge of a shaded container in winter. It combines well with practically everything such as Hellebores, Lirope, and ferns. In the sun it looks great with grasses and perennials.
Low growing, eight inches, with tow inch long leaves and 1 ¼ " flowers in spring and fall. A single plant can grow 5-10' wide as the stems root into the ground.
This species originates from the Mediterranean and has three and a half inch leaves with two inch flowers. The plant reaches 18" tall, and spreads 5-10' wide. All varieties have blue flowers April through June. The seeds of this species have been historically used medicinally.
Varies daily, late April through October. Please contact us for current availability.
Family: Apocyaceae
Genus: Vinca
Common Name: Periwinkle, Myrtle
Origin: This genus contains 7 species native to Northern Africa, central Asia and Europe.
Culture: Evergreen ground covers which thrive in fertile well drained soil, but tolerate less ideal conditions. They tolerate almost any sun exposure from full sun to full shade. Regular water is required for the first year. Once established, Vinca is drought tolerant. Vinca minor is hardy in zones 4-9, Vinca major 7-11.
Maintenance: Vinca can spread into areas it is not wanted so annual trimming of wandering shoots is recommended. Fertilizing in spring with an all purpose fertilizer will help keep Vinca lush.
Pest and Disease: Generally pest and disease free. Vinca can rot if the soil is poorly drained, get botrytis if there is poor air circulation, or acquire aphids if stressed.
We have a selection of ground covers year round.
