Vinca

( VIN - kuh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials is commonly called Periwinkle and needs full sun in cooler climates, partial shade otherwise, and has little to moderate water requirements. It has a trailing, arching habit and stems root where they touch ground. Leaves are dark green and flowers are commonly lavender-blue and five-petaled. Flowers bloom at leaf joints in early springtime. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Vinca Species and Varietals

The genus Vinca is a member of the plant family Apocynaceae and includes seven species. The best growing zones for Periwinkle vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Vinca difformis (Intermediate Periwinkle)
These evergreen flowering subshrubs are native to western areas of Europe, and produces white to blue flowers that bloom between late winter and early springtime. These plants typically form mats of foliage 20 inches across.

Vinca herbacea (Herbaceous Periwinkle)
This species is native to eastern and southeastern Europe, and grows mainly in steppe habitats. These plants grow as trailing vines, spreading along the soil surface and rooting along stems, forming colonies. They typically reach 8 inches tall when mature. Flowers can be blue-violet or occasionally white.

Vinca major (Bigleaf Periwinkle, Large Periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle, Blue Periwinkle)
This species is best in zones 5-24 and produces large, aggressive plants. Plants reach 2 feet across and can mound 1-2 feet tall. It will spread rapidly and can be very invasive if not kept in check. Selection 'Variegata' (pictured) has leaves that are margined in white.

​Vinca minor (Dwarf Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle)
This species grows well in zones 1-24 and reaches 4-6 inches tall and just an inch wide. The species is less invasive than Vinca major; making it a great choice for growing in the garden. Varieties with white flowers and variegated foliage are available.

Caring for Vinca

Plant larger species about 2-2.5 feet apart, and dwarf selections just 1.5 feet apart for best coverage and performance. When plants are layered with old stems, they can be sheared or mown before new growth starts to pop in springtime. Vinca will grow in almost any type of soil and will compete successfully for water and nutrients with surface tree roots. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Vinca
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Vinca
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