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Perennials, Weeds > Vinca > Vinca minor > Vinca minor

Vinca minor


Common Periwinkle




Origin:  The term Vinca translates “to bind” which refers to the stems hugging the ground. It is an ancient plant native to Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the north Caucasus.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

I once used this plant profusely and in fact visitors to the A.M. Cuddy Gardens in Strathroy may still see large planting beds of it under the famous Ulmus americana. It was used and still is by others today because it is a very effective groundcover, rapidly covering the area with an impenetrable mat. That said I have seen it spread into large woodland stands, suffocating the native flora. These escapees are often from gardens bordering on such natural areas or where people have dumped landscape debris and the clippings of Vinca have taken root. Some of the cultivars (often variegated forms) are less vigorous and may make ideal substitutes for the straight species. Use with caution, ideally in parking lot islands where escapees can be driven over.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Apocynaceae
Genus
Vinca
Species
minor
Category
Perennials, Weeds
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2a - 8a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7 - H4
Temperature (°C)
(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)
(-25) - 20
Height
7.5 - 16 cm
Spread
2 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
MayJuneJulyAugust
General Description
Mat-forming creeper found in shady locations, often used as ground cover. Stays a evergreen under snow. Has a habit of growing further than its intended planting bed.
Landscape
Used for ground cover in moist, shady areas at foundations, planting beds, often seen under woody plants. Attractive spring blossoms.
Cultivation
Grows best in partial sun to full shade in moist, well-drained soils, and is adaptable to pH and drought. The foliage will become chlorotic in full sun and the plant may fail.
Shape
Mat-forming groundcover.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Blue/purple flowers in spring, shiny, elliptical evergreen leaves on trailing stems, rooting at the nodes. Often mistaken for Purple Wintercreeper which do not root nodally.
Pests
Phomopsis livella (dieback) can become a serious problem.
Habitat
Wide spreading, evergreen ground cover found in shady areas with moist, well-drained soils.
Bark/Stem Description
Non-woody stems which are slender (2 mm in diameter), light to dark green, smooth, and somewhat glabrous.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Buds appear in April after developing under the mat of foliage. Purplish, lanceolate buds, 1 cm long, on erect shoots.
Leaf Description
Elliptical, small (1-5 cm long) light to dark green leaves, in both a spiral and opposite leaf arrangement.
Flower Description
Solitary, perfect, purple flowers originate vertically from leaf axis and bloom from early spring to mid summer. Pinwheel formation, 12 cm in diameter with a five-lobed corolla.
Fruit Description
Often unnoticed, small follicle of brown fruit with no ornamental value.
Colour Description
Dark green on upper side of leaves, light green beneath. Vivid purple flowers.
Texture Description
Dense branching, soft leaves and a fine texture, comfortable to walk on.
Notable Specimens
The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Propagate by rooting semi-ripe stem cuttings in summer or crown division.
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