What hardiness zones is Vinca minor suitable for?

Vinca minor is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Vinca minor?

Vinca minor requires Part Shade.

How much water does Vinca minor need?

Vinca minor has Low water needs.

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Vines & Groundcovers

Vinca minor

common periwinkle

Apocynaceae

Central and southern Europe, from Portugal east to Turkey and the Caucasus

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitTrailing

FoliageEvergreen

Height3-6 inches (8-15 cm)

Width2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Vinca minor is a low trailing evergreen groundcover with wiry stems reaching 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) tall and spreading indefinitely by rooting at nodes wherever stems contact soil. Leaves are elliptical to lance-shaped, 0.5–1.5 inches (1–4 cm) long, glossy dark green with a smooth surface and slightly revolute margins; smaller than those of V. major. Solitary tubular-flared flowers, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, appear in leaf axils from March through May with sporadic repeat bloom through summer; flower color is blue-violet in the species type, with cultivars available in white, purple, and reddish-purple. An established planting spreads 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) per season. Vinca minor is considered less aggressively invasive than V. major and is not regulated in as many jurisdictions, but can naturalize in woodland settings and disturbed areas beyond intended planting sites. All plant parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Native to central and southern Europe from Portugal east to Turkey and the Caucasus. Found in shaded woodland understories, forest margins, and scrubland, primarily at low to mid elevations.

Suggested Uses

Used as a groundcover under trees, on shaded slopes for erosion control, and as a lawn substitute in areas with light foot traffic and insufficient light for turf grasses. Planted in gaps between perennials in shade borders for continuous cover. Check local invasive species lists before planting near natural areas; the plant can naturalize in woodland settings.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Vinca major by smaller leaves, 0.5–1.5 inches (1–4 cm) long versus 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm), and by wiry hairless stems rather than the rounder, hairy-noded stems of V. major. Flowers are 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, smaller than V. major's 1–1.5 inch (2.5–4 cm) flowers. The plant stays flat to the ground at 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) tall; stems trail but do not climb or twine.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3" - 6"

Width/Spread2' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

violet

white

purple

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring

Primary bloom occurs March through May in zones 4–9. Sporadic secondary flowers appear through summer and occasionally into fall. In zone 4 and 5, bloom begins in April and may end by late May. Individual flowers last 3–5 days; the spring flush extends 6–8 weeks. Shade reduces flower count but does not prevent bloom entirely.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

blue-violet (species); cultivars range from white to purple

Foliage Description

glossy dark green, slightly lighter beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Space transplants 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart; coverage is achieved within 2–3 growing seasons. Water weekly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought and short dry periods. Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended rate to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. Shear plants to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in late winter or early spring every 2–3 years to reduce woodiness and encourage fresh foliage. Root weevils may notch leaf margins but rarely cause significant harm. The plant competes with tree roots effectively but may struggle under heavy canopy in very dry soils.

Pruning

Shear or mow plants to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in late winter or early spring every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the planting and prevent bare patches at the center. Cut back stems that extend beyond boundaries at any time during the growing season. Hard renovation by cutting all stems to the ground in early spring is tolerated; new growth emerges within 3–4 weeks under normal growing conditions.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans