Vinca Minor
Vinca minor
Also known as periwinkle, this European native is prized for its glossy dark green leaves and charming blue flowers that appear from spring through fall. This vigorous spreader quickly covers difficult slopes and shaded areas where other plants struggle. The trailing stems root as they grow, creating an impenetrable carpet that effectively suppresses weeds while adding elegant color to the landscape.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
3-6 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Vinca Minor in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Vinca Minor · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Propagation: Division, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Follicle.
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Europe to Caucasus
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Erosion, Heavy Shade, Poor Soil, Salt
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bumblebees.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Both thrive in partial shade with similar moisture requirements and complement each other aesthetically
Astilbe
Shares preference for moist, shaded conditions and provides vertical interest above the low-growing vinca
Ferns
Natural woodland companions with similar shade and moisture needs, creates layered forest-like appearance
Heuchera
Compatible shade perennial that adds colorful foliage contrast while sharing similar growing conditions
Caladium
Provides seasonal color and texture contrast in shaded areas with similar moisture requirements
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in same partial shade conditions and adds silvery foliage texture above the vinca carpet
Lungwort
Early spring bloomer that complements vinca's growing season in shaded, moist woodland conditions
Brunnera
Heart-shaped leaves provide textural contrast and both prefer cool, moist, partially shaded locations
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produces juglone which is toxic to vinca minor and inhibits its growth
Mint
Extremely aggressive spreader that competes directly with vinca for space and resources
English Ivy
Both are aggressive ground covers that compete for the same niche and resources
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop canker in stressed conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects, mites in dry conditions
Diseases
Dieback/canker, root rot in waterlogged soil