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Genus Vinca (Periwinkle)

Vinca minor Photo/Illustration: Mark Kane

VIN-kah

Common Name: Periwinkle

These slender-stemmed subshrubs and perennials are grown for their opposite, simple, often variegated leaves and their showy, star-like or salverform flowers. They are native to the woodlands of Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. Vinca is useful as a groundcover in a woodland area, in the shrub border, or on a shady bank. It can be invasive.
Noteworthy characteristics: Showy, long-stalked, often blue or white flowers. Some may be invasive. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Care: Tolerant of most any soil except very dry. Full sun produces the best flowering, but vinca can also be grown in part shade. May be cut back hard in early spring to control growth.
Propagation: Divide in early spring or mid- to late autumn, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: Leafhoppers, scale insects, aphids, leaf spot, and dieback may attack plants.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Vinca

Vinca major 'Variegata'
(Variegated greater periwinkle, Variegated bigleaf periwinkle) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Great for brightening up a shady spot, this ground-hugging, evergreen, trailing groundcover has dark green leaves with yellowish-white edges. Its texture is coarser than V. minor. This plant grows to 18 inches and spreads indefinitely. Blue flowers appear in spring. It can be used as an annual in cold climates. It is not quite as hardy as the popular Vinca minor and is not quite as aggressive either.

Vinca minor 'Illumination'
(Common periwinkle, creeping myrtle)

(1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

Like other creeping myrtles, 'Illumination' is a tough evergreen ground cover for shade that will grow in almost any soil. Its hallmark is its bright gold leaves that are edged with a border of irregular green. Periwinkle-blue flowers appear in spring. Use 'Illumination' as a shade ground cover or in hanging baskets.

Vinca minor and cvs.
(Creeping myrtle, Lesser periwinkle) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Creeping myrtle is a fast-spreading, 4- to 8-inch-tall, evergreen groundcover with shiny green leaves borne in pairs on long, arching stems. Star-like, 1-inch-wide blue flowers bloom for one month in spring. Cultivars include 'Bowles,' which blooms sporadically throughout the growing season, and variegated vinca, with creamy white-and-green leaves.