How to Grow Vinca Minor

Vinca is an evergreen, trailing ground cover that has flowers in early spring (and sporadically through summer and fall) in white or shades of lavender. Plant it along shady paths or rockeries to fill in for early-blooming plants that fade later in the year. Vinca thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balanced Organic Fertilizer
• Garden Shears
• Garden Trowels
• Gardening Gloves
• Mulch
• Edger/trimmers And Accessories

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer, year-round in warmer climates.

2. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new leaves and flower buds. Buy vinca in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose a site in the shade with well-drained soil.

4. Dig a hole for each plant no deeper than the soil in which the plant was growing. Dig planting holes one foot apart.

5. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to each planting hole before setting the plants in.

6. Mulch around - but not on top of - the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

7. Water well, until the soil is completely moist, the first year only. Vinca doesn't need extra water once it is established.

Tips & Warnings

• Vinca grows about 6 inches high and will spread 3 to 4 feet. It can be kept off paths or in any designated area by using a weed trimmer or hand shears.