The Ground Cover That Shines in the Shade
Vinca minor, also known as periwinkle, is a beautiful and effective evergreen ground cover. It stays low while filling in the gaps, holding the soil together and surprising with a burst of beauty in the spring. This humble ground cover thrives where fussier plants fail. Got dry shade under trees? A tricky slope? That spot along the north side of the house that gets ignored? Periwinkle will take it on with persistence and a subtle beauty.
Pretty and Practical Periwinkle
Vinca minor spreads low and wide, rooting as it goes. Its trailing stems form a dense, evergreen mat that stays green year-round, even in winter. Come spring, it surprises you with cheerful little flowers — usually violet-blue, but sometimes white or lavender depending on the variety. They’re not loud, just quietly charming. It is’t covered in flowers in the spring, just a few scattered, charming blooms here and there.
The glossy, dark green leaves offer a clean, tidy look even when it’s not in bloom, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners who still want something visually appealing.
Why Gardeners Love Vinca Minor
- Shade tolerant: Vinca minor handles full shade well, though it also handles partial sun. It can be grown in full sun as well, but I have noticed some leaf scorching.
- Evergreen: It stays green year round in most climates, adding some green even in winter./
- Low maintenance: Once established, it is drought tolerant, deer resistant and requires little trimming.
- Erosion control: Great for stabilizing slopes or covering bare ground under trees where grass refuses to grow, because it is too shady.
- Easy to plant: Just grab your garden knife, plop them in the ground and watch them grow.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While vinca minor is easygoing, it can be a bit too enthusiastic in some climates. It spreads by rooting along the stems, which is great if you want full coverage, but it can creep into areas you didn’t plan on. Regular edging or keeping it in check with a nice set of hand pruners can help contain its enthusiasm.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a reliable, evergreen groundcover that adds a touch of spring color and thrives in the toughest shady spots, vinca minor might be just the thing. It doesn’t ask for much — just a little space to stretch and a bit of appreciation when it blooms.
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases