Species

Vinca minorPeriwinkle

5 other cultivars

groundcover

Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle

Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'

The Story

Plant Bio

Vinca minor, commonly known as lesser periwinkle, is an evergreen groundcover native to Europe and western Asia that forms a dense mat via trailing, self-rooting stems. The species features small, glossy, dark green leaves and produces single, star-shaped flowers from spring through fall.

'Gertrude Jekyll' is distinguished by its compact, low-growing habit and pure white flowers that stand out sharply against the dark foliage. This cultivar is less aggressive than the species type, making it more manageable in cultivated garden spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, glossy green carpet sprinkled with pure white, star-shaped flowers from spring to fall.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes and suppressing weeds in difficult, shady areas.

Provides dense, low-growing cover for small ground-dwelling wildlife and insects.

SpeciesVinca minorPeriwinkle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Western Asia, Caucasus

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site ranging from full sun to deep shade, keeping in mind that flowering is most abundant with partial sun.
Amend the soil with organic matter to improve moisture retention, especially when planting under mature trees where root competition is high.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the trailing stems to spread and root at the nodes, forming a dense mat.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, as dry conditions will stunt initial growth.
Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mold or compost in spring to provide slow-release nutrients without over-fertilizing.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood during maintenance, as these bare stems lack active buds and fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry summer spells until the root system is fully established.
Mulch annually with well-rotted compost to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds while the groundcover fills in.
Prune trailing stems in early spring to maintain boundaries and encourage denser growth.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless wood, as it lacks the buds required to regenerate new foliage.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot pathogens thrive.
Do not allow pets or livestock to graze on the foliage, as it contains toxic vinca alkaloids.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
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 ControlMass PlantingBorder Edging

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Pachysandra terminalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle questions

What zones can Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle grow in?

Gertrude Jekyll 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 Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle deer resistant?

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

When does Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle bloom?

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

Does Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle need full sun?

Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Gertrude Jekyll Periwinkle drought tolerant?

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