Common Periwinkle
(Vinca minor)
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
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Codrin Bucur
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Codrin Bucur
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Codrin Bucur | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Codrin Bucur | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-03-27T14:42:59-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Vinca minor, commonly known as Common Periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial herb or vine, native to forests in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in woodland areas, forest clearings, and along riverbanks. It typically forms a dense, mat-like ground cover, spreading along the ground and rooting at the stem nodes to form extensive clonal colonies. It can occasionally scramble up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) high but does not twine or climb. The leaves are evergreen, broad, glossy dark green with a leathery texture. The plant produces violet-blue flowers, 2-3 cm in diameter, with five petals, from early spring to mid-summer, which are moderately showy.
Common Periwinkle is valued for its evergreen foliage, attractive flowers, ease of culture, and dense growth that suppresses weeds. It is widely used as a ground cover in temperate gardens and has historical significance when found in old cemeteries in the Southern United States. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage levels, although it prefers moist, well-drained soils. However, gardeners should be aware that Vinca minor can be invasive outside its native range, and its use should be carefully considered. It is resistant to many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Common Periwinkle is valued for its evergreen foliage, attractive flowers, ease of culture, and dense growth that suppresses weeds. It is widely used as a ground cover in temperate gardens and has historical significance when found in old cemeteries in the Southern United States. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage levels, although it prefers moist, well-drained soils. However, gardeners should be aware that Vinca minor can be invasive outside its native range, and its use should be carefully considered. It is resistant to many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Vine
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Woodland areas, forest clearings, and riverbanks in Central and Eastern Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Liden Singrøn, Kleines Immergrün, Pikkutalvio, Petite Pervenche, Gravmyrt, Kleine Maagdenpalm, Vintergröna, Gravmyrten
Scientific Names: , Vinca minor, Vinca acutiflora, Vinca intermedia, Vinca minor var. variegata, Vinca minor var. sabinka, Pervinca heterophyla, Pervinca minor, Pervinca procumbens, Pervinca repens
GBIF Accepted Name: Vinca minor L.