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Jesse Saylor
Apocynaceae
Vinca minor
Common Periwinkle
Vigorous and pretty, common periwinkle is a popular, low-growing evergreen groundcover for shade that originates from Europe and Russia. Given the correct growing conditions, it spreads rapidly via trailing stems that root directly into the ground.
Year-round, plants bear small glossy dark green leaves. In the spring, and sometimes early summer, round, dainty, five-petaled "periwinkle" blue flowers appear along its trailing stems. These are colorful and will occasionally reappear sporadically in fall. Some cultivars offer white or purple-red flowers or have variegated foliage.
Common periwinkle is not too fussy about soil but prefers those high in organic matter. It is one of the best groundcovers for shade, though it will also tolerate sun if provided ample moisture. It serves well as a cover beneath trees or along shaded banks.
The only downfall to this plant is its tendency to be weedy and even invasive if it strays where it is not wanted. It has naturalized across many parts of North America and is listed as a weedy pest plant in several states in the United States (http://plants.usda.gov/java/invasiveOne).
9 - 1
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia/Siberia
Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Black Walnut Toxicity
Fast
Average Water
Mat-forming
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Light Blue, Blue Violet
Dark Green
Yes
No
Single
Medium
Glossy
Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Sometimes
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