What Is a Periwinkle Flower?

Vinca, or periwinkle, is an evergreen ground cover especially useful in shady areas. It spreads by long shoots that root wherever they touch the soil, making new plants. The flowers may be purple, blue or white and appear in the spring. Vinca is also sometimes called creeping myrtle.

Vinca Minor

Vinca minor, or common periwinkle, has glossy dark green leaves that are a half-inch to 2 inches long. It grows to about 6 inches tall and is hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Vinca Major

Vinca major, or big periwinkle, is a more aggressive grower that mounds up to 2 feet. It has 3-inch-long leaves and flowers up to 2 inches in diameter. It tolerates more sun than vinca minor. Being winter hardy only in zones 6-9, it is often treated as an annual.

Care

Vinca prefers shade but will tolerate some sun. It likes a rich well-drained soil. Keep plants mulched and weeded until they are established.

Uses

Because the vinca plant's stems root so readily, it is often used as ground cover and to control erosion on hillsides. Vinca grows well under shrubs and trees, even evergreens.

Problems

Vinca can suffer from dieback caused by a fungal disease. Any affected foliage should be discarded. The best way to prevent it is to avoid overhead watering.

References

• Clemson University Extension
• University of Illinois Extension