Species

Vinca minorPeriwinkle

5 other cultivars

groundcover

Common Periwinkle

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

The Story

Plant Bio

Vinca minor, commonly known as creeping myrtle, is an evergreen, mat-forming subshrub native to Europe and Western Asia that spreads indefinitely via trailing stems rooting at the nodes. The species features opposite, glossy dark green leaves and solitary, five-petaled salverform flowers that emerge primarily in spring.

'Atropurpurea' is distinguished by its deep purplish-blue to rich dark purple flowers that contrast against the dark green foliage. The new spring growth emerges in a bright chartreuse before maturing to the typical leathery, deep green color.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, evergreen carpet of glossy foliage punctuated by deep purple flowers in spring.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on shaded slopes and suppressing weeds once the canopy is fully established.

Provides dense ground cover that stabilizes soil, though its overall ecological value to native wildlife is minimal.

SpeciesVinca minorPeriwinkle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Western Asia, and Caucasus

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Space individual plugs or potted plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the trailing stems room to spread and root.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch between young plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds until the canopy closes.

Pro Tip

Shear the mat back in early spring before new growth begins to rejuvenate leggy patches; avoid cutting deep into old, bare wood which lacks active nodes to sprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune trailing stems annually in early spring to maintain defined garden boundaries.
Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot pathogens from taking hold.
Clear fallen autumn leaves from the dense mat to prevent smothering and fungal issues.

Don't

Do not plant adjacent to delicate native species or conservation areas where it can escape and smother local flora.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems as they will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverUnderstory PlantingErosion ControlShade Garden

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Periwinkle questions

What zones can Common Periwinkle grow in?

Common Periwinkle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Periwinkle deer resistant?

Yes — Common Periwinkle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Periwinkle bloom?

Common Periwinkle typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Periwinkle need full sun?

Common Periwinkle does best in part shade.

Is Common Periwinkle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Common Periwinkle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.