Vinca Minor (Periwinkle) Care

August 01 2024, 17 min reading time

Vinca Minor, also known as the periwinkle, is a popular ground cover due to its beautiful, glossy leaves and vibrant flowers. This garden plant is not only aesthetically pleasing but also relatively easy to maintain. In this blog, we cover the most frequently asked questions about the care of Vinca Minor.

What is Vinca Minor?

Vinca Minor, often referred to as the lesser periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is known for its purple-blue, white, or purple flowers and its dark green, glossy leaves. This plant is widely used as a ground cover in gardens and parks due to its ability to quickly cover large areas.

How do you plant Vinca Minor?

Planting Vinca Minor (periwinkle) is simple and can be done at different times of the year. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plant this beautiful ground cover:

1. Choose the Right Location

Vinca Minor thrives best in partial to full shade. It can also grow in full sun, but the plant will perform best in shady areas. Find a spot in your garden where the plant is sheltered from the harshest sun rays.

2. Prepare the Soil

Vinca Minor needs well-draining soil. Follow these steps to prepare the soil:

Soil structure: Ensure the soil drains well. Add organic matter such as compost to improve the soil structure.
pH level: Vinca Minor prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5). You can perform a soil test to check the pH level and adjust it if necessary.

3. Planting Distance

To give the plant enough space to grow and spread, plant the cuttings or seedlings about 30 cm apart. This ensures the plants have room to spread and form a dense ground cover.

4. Dig the Planting Holes

Dig holes large enough to accommodate the plant's root ball. The holes should be slightly wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the height of the ball.

5. Planting

Place the Vinca Minor plants into the holes and fill them with the excavated soil. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface.

6. Watering

Water the plants thoroughly after planting. This helps the roots establish themselves in their new environment. Continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods, until the plants are well-established.

7. Mulching

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and provides extra organic matter as it decomposes.

8. Maintenance

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Vinca Minor is reasonably drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to stimulate growth.
Pruning: Prune if necessary to keep the plant in check and promote compact growth.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a lush and low-maintenance ground cover that beautifies your garden year-round.

How many periwinkles per meter?

Plant about 12 Vinca Minor (periwinkle) plants per square meter. With this planting density, the ground will be fully covered within 1 to 2 years. Use Pokon potting soil when planting and distribute this soil evenly over the area where you are placing the Vinca Minor.

How do you care for Vinca Minor?

Vinca Minor, also known as periwinkle, is a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, there are some important care tips to ensure your Vinca Minor stays healthy and beautiful. Here are the key care guidelines:

Vinca Minor Watering

Vinca Minor requires regular watering, especially during the initial growth phase and dry periods.

New planting: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plants are well-established.
Mature plants: Once established, Vinca Minor is reasonably drought-tolerant, but it is good to water during long dry periods to maintain the plant's health.

Vinca Minor Fertilizing

Good soil and fertilization are essential for the healthy growth of Vinca Minor.

Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Annual fertilization is usually sufficient to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.

Vinca Minor Light Conditions

Vinca Minor can thrive in various light conditions, but has a slight preference for shady spots.

Partial shade to shade: Ideal for Vinca Minor, it keeps the plant lush without excessive sun stress.
Full sun: The plant can also grow in full sun, but ensure the soil stays moist, especially during hot summer days.

Vinca Minor Pruning

Regular pruning helps keep the plant compact and tidy and promotes healthy growth.

Spring pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring to make room for new growth.
Shaping: Prune as needed during the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size. This can help keep the plant within designated boundaries and prevent excessive spreading.

Vinca Minor Diseases and pests

Vinca Minor is generally resistant to most diseases and pests, but some problems may occur.

Leaf spot: This can be caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Ensure good drainage and sufficient spacing between plants.
Root rot: Often a result of overwatering. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Aphids: These can sometimes be an issue but can be easily managed with insecticides or by attracting natural enemies like ladybugs.

Vinca Minor Winter Care

Vinca Minor is hardy and can handle cold temperatures well.

Winter protection: In particularly cold climates, you can apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots from extreme cold.
Evergreen: The plant remains green all year round, making it an attractive ground cover even in winter.

Vinca Minor Precautions

Although Vinca Minor requires little maintenance, it is important to take some precautions.

Managing spread: The plant can spread aggressively. Regular pruning and the use of physical barriers can help control its growth.
Toxicity: Vinca Minor is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets, or choose alternative plants if this is a concern.

With these simple care tips, you can enjoy a healthy and lush Vinca Minor that beautifies your garden year-round.

Can Vinca Minor grow in the sun?

Yes, Vinca Minor (periwinkle) can grow in full sun, but it thrives best in partial shade to shade. Here are some considerations for growing Vinca Minor in the sun:

Growing in full sun

Adaptation: Vinca Minor is a flexible plant that can adapt to different light conditions, including full sun.
Flowering: In full sun, the plant can still bloom well, and the flowers may even be more abundant.
Leaf color: The leaves may become a lighter green color in full sun compared to the deeper green they have in the shade.
Precautions

If you plant Vinca Minor in full sun, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure the plant stays healthy:

Watering: Ensure the plant receives enough water, especially during dry and hot periods. Vinca Minor in full sun needs more water than those in the shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot. Add organic matter to improve soil structure.
Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and keep soil temperature stable.
Benefits of partial shade

Although Vinca Minor can grow in full sun, there are some benefits to planting it in partial shade:

Lower water needs: In partial shade, the plant's water needs are lower because the soil does not dry out as quickly.
Healthier leaves: The leaves often stay greener and glossier in partial shade because they are less likely to dry out and burn.
Less stress: Plants in partial shade experience less stress from heat and intense sunlight, resulting in an overall healthier plant.

Vinca Minor can certainly be grown in full sun, provided you ensure sufficient water and well-draining soil. However, for the best results and to keep the plant as healthy as possible, it is recommended to plant it in partial shade to shade. This way, you can enjoy a lush, healthy ground cover with beautiful flowers.

Is Vinca Minor hardy?

Yes, Vinca Minor (periwinkle) is hardy. This means the plant can tolerate cold temperatures and winter conditions well. Here are some details about the hardiness and winter care of Vinca Minor:

Hardiness of Vinca Minor
Climate: Vinca Minor is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, meaning it can survive temperatures down to approximately -34°C. In these zones, the plant can remain outdoors year-round without requiring special protection.
Leaves: Vinca Minor is an evergreen plant, meaning it retains its leaves throughout the year. This provides an attractive green carpet, even in the winter months.

Vinca Minor Winter Care

Although Vinca Minor is hardy, there are some care measures you can take to keep the plant healthy and attractive during winter:

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to protect the roots from extreme cold. Mulch also helps maintain soil temperature stability and retains moisture.
Watering: Ensure the plants have received sufficient water before the soil freezes. This helps the plant stay hydrated during winter when water uptake from frozen soil may be limited.
Pruning: Prune damaged or dead stems in late fall or early spring to make room for new growth and keep the plant healthy.
Shelter: In areas with extremely cold winters, it may be useful to protect plants from harsh winds and icing. Temporary shelter, such as a plant cover, can help with this.

Vinca Minor Recovery in Spring

In the spring, as temperatures begin to rise, you can do the following to encourage your Vinca Minor's growth:

Cleanup: Remove the mulch layer and any dead leaves or stems that accumulated during winter.
Fertilizing: Fertilize the plants in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to stimulate new growth.
Watering: Keep the soil moist during the growing season to promote healthy and lush growth.

By following these simple winter care tips, you can ensure your Vinca Minor remains healthy and looks beautiful, even after the coldest winter months.

How do you prevent Vinca Minor from spreading too much?

Although Vinca Minor is an excellent ground cover, it can sometimes spread too aggressively. Here are some tips to manage this:

1. Regular pruning

Spring pruning: Prune in early spring to remove dead stems.
Maintenance pruning: Prune during the growing season to keep the plant compact.

2. Use of physical barriers

Edging: Place an edge or border 15-20 cm deep around the planting bed.
Underground barriers: Use root barriers to limit spreading.

3. Selective planting location

Under trees and shrubs: Plant in spots where spreading is less problematic.
Isolated areas: Choose locations along fences or walls.

4. Soil cultivation

Raking: Rake regularly to disrupt new runners.
Hoeing: Remove young shoots with a hoe.

5. Competitive planting

Dense planting: Plant other ground covers to limit space.
Strong competitors: Use plants that grow quickly and compete with Vinca Minor.

6. Manual removal

Weekly inspection: Remove new runners immediately.
Deep weeding: Remove plants with roots to prevent regrowth.

These measures help keep Vinca Minor's growth under control and prevent it from spreading too much.

Can you transplant periwinkle?

Yes, Vinca Minor (periwinkle) can be transplanted. This may be necessary to reposition the plant for better growing conditions, to optimize space, or to move parts of the plant to another location. Here is a step-by-step guide to transplanting Vinca Minor:

1. Timing for transplanting Vinca Minor

Best Time: The best time to transplant Vinca Minor is in early spring (before new growth begins) or in the fall (after blooming). This gives the plant time to establish itself before the hot or cold seasons begin.

2. Preparing the new location

Soil preparation: Ensure the new location is well-draining and enriched with organic matter such as compost. This helps the plant establish itself well.
Planting distance: Keep in mind the recommended planting distance of 20-30 cm to ensure sufficient space for the plant to spread.

3. Digging up the plant

Digging: Dig carefully around the Vinca Minor to avoid damaging the roots. Try to dig a wide, shallow hole to take as much of the root system as possible.
Lifting: Lift the plant out of the ground with a spade or garden fork. Ensure you take a clump of soil with roots to minimize stress for the plant.

4. Transplanting

Planting: Place the Vinca minor at the new location at the same depth as it was originally planted. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface.
Filling: Fill the planting holes with soil and press down lightly to eliminate air pockets.

5. Watering and aftercare

Watering: Water the plant thoroughly immediately after transplanting to settle the soil and help the roots establish themselves.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Maintenance: Monitor the plant closely and ensure sufficient watering during the first few weeks after transplanting. This helps the plant adapt to its new location and promotes healthy growth.

6. Other tips

Inspection: Check the plant regularly for signs of stress or disease after transplanting. Leaves may temporarily wilt or discolor in response to the change.
Support: If necessary, provide temporary support or extra protection against extreme weather conditions until the plant has fully established itself.

By following these steps, you can successfully transplant Vinca minor and ensure healthy and good growth at its new location.

How long does Vinca minor bloom?

Vinca minor, also known as common periwinkle, has a long blooming period that usually occurs in the spring and early summer. Here are some details about the flowering time:

Vinca minor blooming period

Spring: Vinca minor usually starts to bloom in April or May, depending on the climate and specific growing conditions.
Early summer: Flowering can continue into June, with peak blooming usually occurring in late spring.

Vinca minor flowering duration

Duration: The flowering time of Vinca minor can last from several weeks to two months, with an abundance of flowers during this period.
Flowers: The flowers are usually purple-blue, but can also be white or lavender-colored, depending on the variety.

Vinca minor autumn flowering

In some climates and under favorable conditions, Vinca minor may also have a second bloom in the autumn, although this is often less exuberant than the spring flowering.

Factors that influence flowering

Light conditions: Vinca minor blooms best in partial shade to shade, but can also bloom in full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with sufficient organic matter promotes flowering.
Water: Regular watering, especially during dry periods, helps keep the plant healthy and promotes a longer blooming period.
Temperature: Mild temperatures in the spring and early summer are ideal for the blooming of Vinca minor.

By providing optimal growing conditions, you can enjoy a rich and long-lasting bloom of Vinca minor, which will enhance your garden with its vibrant flowers.

Can Vinca minor be grown in pots?

Yes, Vinca minor can be successfully grown in pots. This can be a good option if you want to better control its growth. Make sure the pots are well-draining and use high-quality potting soil. Do not forget to water and fertilize regularly.

Which diseases and pests affect Vinca minor?

Vinca minor is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, problems can sometimes occur such as:

Leaf spot disease: This can be caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Ensure good drainage and sufficient spacing between the plants.
Root rot: This is common with overwatering. Ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Aphids: These can sometimes be a problem, but can be easily managed with insecticides or by attracting natural enemies like ladybugs.

Vinca minor toxicity

Yes, Vinca minor is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It contains alkaloids that, if ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Keep the plant out of reach of pets or consider alternatives if you are concerned about their safety.

Is common periwinkle good for bees?

Vinca minor (common periwinkle) is an attractive ground cover with glossy leaves and colorful flowers, but it is not particularly known for its contribution to the bee population. Here are some considerations regarding the relationship between Vinca minor and bees:

Flowers of Vinca minor

Flowering time: Vinca minor blooms in the spring and early summer, usually from April to June.
Flower shape: The flowers are tubular and have a star-shaped structure, which sometimes makes it difficult for bees to reach nectar and pollen.

Attractiveness to bees

Nectar and pollen: Although Vinca minor produces nectar and pollen, the quantity is limited and less accessible due to the shape of the flower. As a result, it is not the most ideal plant for bees.
Bee visits: Bees can visit Vinca minor, but it will not be their first choice if other, more bee-friendly plants are available.
Alternatives for bee-friendly gardens

If you are looking for plants that are better for bees, consider the following options:

Lavender (Lavandula): This plant is very attractive to bees due to its abundant nectar.
Ivy (Hedera helix): Ivy blooms in late summer and autumn and provides an important food source for bees.
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This ground cover attracts bees with its small, fragrant flowers.
Echinacea (Coneflower): The large, striking flowers are a favorite food source for bees.
Integration into the garden

Although Vinca minor is not the best choice for attracting bees, it can still be part of a bee-friendly garden when combined with other plants that offer more nectar and pollen. By using a variety of plants, you can create an attractive and supportive environment for bees and other pollinators.

Vinca minor is not particularly known for its appeal to bees, but it can still play a useful role in a varied garden environment. For a more bee-friendly garden, it is recommended to combine Vinca minor with other plants that are richer in nectar and pollen. In this way, you contribute to supporting the bee population while enjoying the benefits of Vinca minor as a ground cover.

Vinca minor is a beautiful and versatile plant that requires little maintenance and can enhance your garden year-round. With the right care and growth management, this ground cover can be a valuable addition to your outdoor space.