Vinca minor
Common Periwinkle

 This plant is considered invasive.

Vinca minor - Groundcover Habit
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
Purple (Lilac blue to blue-violet flowers in April and sporadically through the summer)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Lustrous, dark green foliage forms an evergreen cover)
 Fruit Notes:
Brown (Not ornamentally important)
 Ultimate Height:
3-6 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
1-8 feet
 Fruiting Times:
 Light Requirements:
 Soil Notes:
Widely adapted to soils, but is not tolerant of those that are very dry
 Range:
Europe and western Asia
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Simple entire glossy dark green leaves are opposite, 0.5-1.5" long, elliptic, oblong to elliptic-ovate with a rounded base. Broken petioles exude a milky sap.
  Special Characteristics:
  • Bank Cover 48
  • Groundcover 54
  • Trellis/Post/Fence Climber 26
  • Midwest Invasive 40
  • Notable Texture 278
  • Shade Tolerant 114

    • Additional Information

    One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

    When Vinca minor has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    11 Vinca minor found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    12013_00666*AHORTPARK
    22009_15713*APGG
    32009_15736*ATEL
    42009_15713*CPGG
    52009_15724*AWTHR
    62013_00010*ALYNN
    72009_15713*BPGG
    82009_15660*ABCHM
    92009_15713*DPGG
    102022_00308*AHORT
    112023_00119*AHORT

    Other plants like this Vinca minor (Common Periwinkle)

    Communication

    University Resources

    Sustainability Resources

    Arboretum Resources

    Purdue University Logo Purdue University Logo

    The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Physical Facilities Grounds Department

    Purdue Arboretum, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
    © 2025 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by the Purdue Arboretum
    Contact Purdue Arboretum at arboretum@purdue.edu for accessibility issues with this page | Accessibility Resources | Contact Us