Ground coverVinca minor
Lesser Periwinkle
Lesser Periwinkle is an evergreen ground cover with glossy dark-green foliage and abundant blue-purple flowers from March to June. The plant forms a dense carpet that effectively suppresses weeds and is ideal under trees and shrubs. Periwinkle is extremely hardy and tolerates deep shade.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full shade
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 10–20 cm
- Spread
- 60–100 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–9
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- blue, purple
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial to full shade in virtually any soil. The plant is very undemanding and needs little attention. Apply a layer of compost in spring. Watering is rarely needed except in extreme drought. Plant 5 per square metre for quick coverage.
Pruning tips
Trim the edges in early spring if needed to direct growth. For overgrown patches, you can mow the whole area short — the plant regrows quickly. No further pruning is necessary.
Good companions
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.