Its growth rate is moderate to rapid. Lawns might be the most popular, but they are not the easiest or best ground cover out there. Greater periwinkle, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, grows to a height of 6 to 18 inches and width of 1 to 2 feet. Red. Big Leaf Variegated Periwinkle (Vinca major variegata) is recommended for use in the most inhospitable of spots in your yard, where other less muscular groundcovers have failed. Compact and trailing Vincas. Periwinkle tolerates drought, poor soil, rocky soil and even deer. The shade tolerant plants for ground cover are also perfect if … Also known as Myrtle, and an extremely popular evergreen groundcover. Spring and early fall are considered the best times to plant myrtle. The l… They tolerate deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. Myrtle, Also Called Vinca or Periwinkle. Vinca minor will root at the leaf nodes so is very useful for tricky situations particularly sloping sites. Drought Tolerant. Vinca can also stand up to drought. It can often be found growing along riverbanks as well as in mountainous terrain, CIPC states. Vinca Minor, also called periwinkle or myrtle, is an excellent groundcover for shade. The quarter-sized flowers appear in late spring. Sun; The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Space the plants 8 to 10 inches apart and feed them lightly when you first install them. The sun, however, causes the plant to produce more flowers. Seeds germinate best when the soil temperatures are over 75° F. Transplant seedlings outdoors once air and … more plants . A large-leafed evergreen, Vinca grows equally well in full sun or deep shade. Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. These plants prefer dappled sun, but they'll take what they can get and grow in anything from full sun to full shade. It prefers moist soil that drains well. Vinca is available in a range of shades including white, pink, red, purple and lavender. It does not need pinching or deadheading. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Its bright-green leaves darken with the season, sometimes taking on a bronze tone under the winter sun. The trailing stems develop roots as it creeps. Vinca is a classic, old-school plant that’s earned its place in our gardens. Characteristics. Appearance and Characteristics. Sep 29, 2019 - Excellent ground cover for sun or shade. Grow annual vincas in full sun or very light shade, as they will not flower well without at least six hours of direct sunlight. With some shade, the leaves tend to be a brighter green than when grown in sun. Growing Vinca minor in an edged bed or in containers helps deter it from encroaching on other planting areas. The sun, however, causes … Depending on whether you value foliage or flowers, choose a location to plant periwinkle with the according amount of light. A large-leafed evergreen, Vinca grows equally well in full sun or deep shade. Growing upwards to 10 to 16 inches tall, with dark green leaves and five-petal blossoms in pink, mauve or white, these flowers spread quickly and require little care. Vinca, Catharanthus Great as a container plant or in mass plantings, Vinca gives a show of pink, lavender, white or red flowers all summer long. Very easy and reliable. Here are six of the best ground cover plants for shade or sun gardens. It will also grow in sun if the soil is damp, but in shade it will tolerate some drought. Although it's a member of the dogbane family, as well, its light needs are different from Vinca minor's. Vinca are an excellent trailing or ground cover plant that is certain to look fantastic in … Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade. Vinca Minor is one of the more versatile ground cover plants. Variegated vinca will grow at a relatively fast rate given the right conditions. Growing shade-loving ground cover plants is an excellent choice for plantings under trees or shrubs. Doesn't like it's roots too wet, so allow soil to dry a little between waterings. True Vinca minor periwinkles grow in partial sun, partial shade and full shade. Lesser periwinkle, hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, is similar, but only grows between 3 and 6 inches tall and to a maximum spread of 1 ½ feet. Horticulturists have been hard at work cultivating new colors in plants with showy flowers that are easy to start from seed. Spread: 12-15 inches. They grow in sun and shade. If an area is too stuffy, the plant can develop fungal problems. Once they are ready, the plants will grow best five feet apart in a bed with full sun for the following growing season. Spring; Summer; Mature Size. Phlox-like flowers in summer and fall. This fast growing ground cover grows in either sun or shade. Although often used as a ground cover due to its creeping ability, potted periwinkle adds texture and color to a shady deck, patio or porch. A summer-flowering annual, also commonly called vinca or periwinkle, is "Catharanthus." Vinca grows well on the north side of buildings, where many other plants will not. x 15 in. Likes Similar Sun/Shade. Some varieties self-seed and return the following spring. Six choices for holding the soil when grass won’t cut it. Here is how to plant a groundcover that will last for years! Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5" long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. To start vinca from seed, so… Annual vinca is a compact plant, growing to about 15 in. Hardiness Zone: Not hardy. The quarter-sized flowers appear in late spring. Fertilize vincas every two weeks with a balanced flo… It has a mat forming habit and will grow anywhere in the garden, even in shade JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Catharanthus roseus, and annual flowering plant that somewhat resembles Impatiens prefers full sun. Here's a link to info about the latter. How do you keep Vinca from getting leggy? One small plant can spread to 8 feet (2.4 m.) across. Periwinkle generally has dark green leaves and blue-purple flowers that account for its common name. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: The Year of the Vinca, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Managing Lawns in Shade. These plants typically have pinwheel-shaped flowers in festive shades of lavender, pink, red, and white. They are non-climbing and prefer part to full shade. Vinca minor Alba | J Parker Dutch Bulbs A fabulous evergreen Periwinkle, that is excellent for ground coverage, with the added bonus of producing brilliant white flowers sitting amongst dark green ovate leaves. This vinca comes from Madagascar and thrives in hot, sunny locations. Excellent for sloped areas. !. When to plant: After the ground has warmed up in the spring, typically mid-May or later in northern climates. Colorful, heat tolerant annuals. Bowles Periwinkle grows best in partial to full shade. While most vinca varieties are easy to grow, it's important to choose the best for your space because there are annual and perennial types. It was originally misnamed "Vinca rosea," and the name stuck, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Heat-loving plants. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. Multiple five-petaled … Some favorites have contrasting center colors, such as pale pink with dark pink in the center. Vinca minor vines most commonly put out a blue flower in spring, but the color can also be lavender, purple, or white. For best results, plant them in partial shade. "Catharanthus" won't grow in shade. Vinca major and vinca minor are shade-loving ground covers, and vinca vine is a trailer with variegated leaves often used in … Annual vincas … Vinca needs little maintenance and deadheading isn’t required. Vinca minor (Periwinkle) is a popular flowering groundcover for zones 4-9. Vinca are suitable for planting in almost all reasonable soils, in either full sun or shade. It loves shade, so its perfect for ringing trees, making mowing easier. Flower Season Early Spring Vinca plants are very easy to care for; they will tolerate drought, shade and heat well. Being perennial ground covers, they always provide great cover and flower for long periods from spring through summer. Now bearing the botanical name "Catharanthus roseus" these plants bloom later than Vinca minor, with shades of rose, pink or white flowers lasting from summer until frost begins. An exception is Catharanthus. However, periwinkle selections can have flowers that range from white, blue to purple in single or double flowers. The shade tolerant plants for ground cover are also perfect if … The leaves are a rich glossy dark green color that grow 4 to 6 inches tall. Vinca Major is a gorgeous ground cover for shade or sun. Its long life and ability to withstand infrequent watering makes it a good choice for those who prefer to minimize plant care or for a vacation home. Here is a link that might be useful: link The trouble is, it's tempting to keep them anyway, because a sea of blue spring flowers round a garden is breathtakingly … Can Creeping Phlox Be Planted in Containers? There is no need to deadhead this little flower factory. Growing from seed: Sow seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost date in your area, following the instructions on the seed packet. Adams is a certified health educator and a massage practitioner. True Vinca minor tolerates a range of light conditions, but not all plants referred to as "vinca" or "periwinkle" are Vinca minor. Although the vinca major vine can grow in full shade, partial shade or full sun, be aware that planting a vinca major vine in full sun produces better-looking flowers, while being planted in partial or full shade creates more attractive foliage. Vinca is fantastic in beds, borders, pots or window boxes. How To Grow Vinca. Warning. It’s an easy-care sun worshipper that also grows fine in the shade. Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. 14 - 16" Spread. Because of its ability to spread, periwinkle makes an attractive alternative to a lawn in shady areas. Small evergreen leaves form low mats and bear pure white flowers in the spring onwards. The stunning scarlet flowers of ‘Cora Red’ annual vinca have a white eye that gives the plant an extra dose of personality. Rose. Height: 10-15 inches. Consider underplanting Vinca with snowdrops or dwarf narcissi. they need planty of light but prefer cool temps so the answer is a bit of both Plant it in the full sun to partial or dappled shade in moist, well-drained soil. They will do well in average soils. While it prefers acidic soil, it tolerates a range of soil types, so long as it has good drainage. Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. Multiple five-petaled … It also comes in varieties with variegated leaves, and certain cultivars have white or red-purple blooms. Make the most of the plant's trailing effect with hanging baskets, tall plant stands or urns on pedestals to add lush foliage and warm-season color to a shade garden or areas that are difficult to plant. In a plant that was already reliably drought-tolerant and pest-free, what more could you ask? In a plant that was already reliably drought-tolerant and pest-free, what more could you ask? The light conditions in which vinca grows, however, affect the performance of the plant. Although there are over 12 species of vinca of different genuses and hardiness zones, the two most commonly seen in American gardens are greater periwinkle (Vinca major) and lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor). Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. Annual vinca is a compact plant, growing to about 15 in. more photos . In full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Vinca major and vinca minor are shade-loving ground covers, and vinca vine is a trailer with variegated leaves often used in window boxes and containers. Besides shiny dark green, foliage may be … While vincas have few problems, occasionally they will suddenly wilt and die. They'll need supplemental watering for the first two or three weeks, but once established, vincas are drought-tolerant and need watering only during extended dry spells. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. Here’s a guide to selecting the best varieties for you yard -- and choosing the healthiest vinca plants available at your local store. Heat Tolerant . Vinca minor or Periwinkle is a favorite flowering groundcover, even in the coldest zones. Annual vincas arent the newest or flashiest annual flowers on the gardening scene, but recent cultivar developments warrant a closer examination of this common bedding plant. Reported to have improved disease resistance. Anything in between and you should look for plants for PART SUN/PART SHADE. Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. Vinca major is poisonous if ingested. The reason everyone with a deer problem desperately need annual Vinca/Periwinkle is that (1) deer will not touch them, (2) the plants do well in semi-shade or full-sun, and (3) many colors are available and the plants will bloom profusely until the first hard frost after planting in June.--- 6 months of beauty! ... English ivy (Hedera helix) and periwinkle (Vinca sp. Both have similar tolerances and preferences when it comes to sunlight, and both bloom profusely with purple or blue flowers in springtime. Benefits: Truly Heat Tolerant. Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. Type: Annual. Its flowers are paler similar to phlox in appearance, about an inch across. Lavender-blue or white flowers appear in the spring and sporadically all season. Very shade tolerant, the leaves will sometimes scorch in too much sun. 16" 25" Height. Pinching means to remove new growth at the tips of the branches so the plant does not become leggy. This less common selection forms a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves, studded with clean white flowers in spring. Even though new varieties of annual vinca are small, the amount of blooms produced on one plant has nearly doubled. more plants . Vinca minor commonly know as vinca or periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing vinca is wonderful for containers or as ground cover. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Growing vinca will be successful as long as you meet the plant’s optimal requirements. Afternoon sun (about 3pm onward) is FULL SUN. They tolerate deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Full sun, drought tolerant and easy to grow. When you move to a new house (or if you, like me, still don’t really know after years in the same place), spend a day at home and go out every couple hours and record if the area in question is in sun or shade. Pink. Annual Vinca. Vinca ground covers also grow well in the sun. Sun Exposure Partial Shade or Full Shade Soil Type Normal or Sandy or Clay Soil pH Neutral or Alkaline or Acid Soil Moisture Average or Dry or Moist Care Level Easy . Height Category: Medium . Vinca is most commonly used as a groundcover due to its low, spreading habit and ability to grow in all light conditions. The common, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus. Vinca needs little maintenance, and deadheading isn't required. Minor or Major Most commonly, the periwinkle you will find in a garden center is Vinca minor . Since annual vincas are native to Madagascar, they need the summer heat to thrive. Further details for Vinca minor ‘Dart’s Blue’ Optimal Growing Conditions. Flower Season. It spreads rapidly to form dense plantings that remain attractive all year. Annual Vinca. Don’t plant in coastal CA where it is invasive. Features. Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. I had a spread of them in my old garden in Africa. It will do best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. Tolerates dry shade … Find a Store . Similar Color Plants. They also provide good groundcover for bulb beds, but you should plant them with bulbs that do not need a lot of division, like daffodils. Vinca Major grows in either full sun or part shade. In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area. Sun/Shade: Full Sun to Part Shade. Short plants with small, glossy green leaves put on little flowers in periwinkle blue. Gryphon Adams began publishing in 1985. An exception is Catharanthus. In the spring brilliant blue, violet, or purple flowers bloom. The common, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus. Until plants have established and filled in the planting area, provide plenty of weeding and water. Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. in height. The smaller size of these new varieties also makes the plant easier to manage and great for container plantings. Heat tolerant. Growing periwinkle as a ground cover is common, as it rarely reaches more than 4 inches (10 cm.) They don’t require a lot of specialized care, and will thrive if you follow some general guidelines for water, sun and fertilizer. It prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil. Plant Type: Annual . Vinca minor vines req… They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. The Vinca vine (vinca minor) or periwinkle plant is considered an evergreen. Bloom Color: Burgundy. Vinca major, a larger periwinkle also called Vinca vine, is classified as invasive in certain areas. These plants have the botanical name Catharanthus and are bred from a heat- and drought-tolerant, sun-loving species from Madagascar. Drought Tolerant . This periwinkle is related to Vinca minor periwinkles but is a different plant. Excellent for sloped areas. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. Vinca needs little maintenance, and deadheading isn’t required. Adams writes about a variety of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings. California Invasive Plant Council: California Invasive Plant Inventory Database, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Periwinkle. Vinca or Periwinkle will grow in range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. They are great for underplanting and their trailing habit can be used to great effect in container planting. Fine Gardening, an online gardening resource, says the vine prefers moist soil in sun or partial shade. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Its lovely. Sun Exposure and Soil Conditions. Vincas can grow either outdoors or indoors. Growing shade-loving ground cover plants is an excellent choice for plantings under trees or shrubs. Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Vinca Minor L. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. x 15 in. Vinca is quite drought tolerant, but it prefers a moist environment, which is easier to maintain with some shade. Vinca minor or Vinca major, the creeping groundcover that is evergreen and has blue flowers in spring will do well in part shade. Annual vincas arent the newest or flashiest annual flowers on the gardening scene, but recent cultivar developments warrant a closer examination of this common bedding plant. Periwinkle or creeping mrytle (Vinca minor) is one of the few groundcovers that can tolerate full sun to full shade. Vinca minor, also called periwinkle, creeping myrtle or vinca, blooms in spring and summer. Its violet-blue flowers are about 1 ½ inches across, and its dark-green, ovate leaves are roughly 3 inches long. Height 25cm Spread 1-1.5m (3-5') Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. Vinca needs little maintenance, and deadheading isn’t required. She holds a master's degree in journalism. Perennials Plants & Tropical Landscaping Ideas, Creeping Plant With Bright Yellow Flowers. Fertilize vincas every two weeks with a balanced flo… Vinca Fantastic groundcover for either damp or dry shade. 8 vincas for sale. After a few years, they tend to spread and become invasive, but it's easy to control them by digging up unwanted plants. ‘Cora Red’ is an upright variety that will grow 14-16 inches tall. The dark green evergreen leaves provide a lovely backdrop for the periwinkle blue blooms in spring. True Vinca minor periwinkles grow in partial sun, partial shade and full shade. They are annuals, not perennials, but always seed themselves abundantly, so they never go away if the position is right for them. Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. Growing periwinkle in partial shade creates more vigorous growth. Given the right growing conditions, it can be invasive, so keep an eye on it. 22 - 25" Details. This makes Vinca ideal in hot, dry parts of the country where other flowers will wither and wilt. To determine shade tolerance, it's important to check the botanical name of a vinca. Horticulturists have been hard at work cultivating new colors in plants with showy flowers that are easy to start from seed. It loves shade or partial sun and grows well in most soils and works well for erosion control. The light conditions in which vinca grows, however, affect the performance of the plant. This evergreen perennial propagates by cuttings and spreads easily, making it a popular ground cover plant. A periwinkle ground cover also saves water and labor compared with lawn maintenance. Soil should be well-drained and amended with organic matter, but vinca does tolerate a wide variety of soils. He received his Master of Fine Arts at San Francisco State University. The plants are self-cleaning and don't need deadheading. Seeds can be sown in March in warm temperatures and planted out in early June. It grows to reach approximately 4-6" tall (and will spread up to 18" at maturity) with small, glossy green leaves periwinkle blue flowers mostly. The Euonymus fortunei or wintercreeper is also an evergreen. Because stems take root when they touch the soil, it is a useful plant for preventing erosion on hills, slopes or embankments. You can harden them before transplanting by putting them in a sheltered area with partial shade. If you’re looking for big, bold color for sunny spots, the annual vinca varieties are probably for you. They may bloom now and again in summer, too, but the summer display will not be nearly as good as the spring display. Vinca may become invasive in some regions, plant with caution. Apr 3, 2016 - Buy Vinca seeds. Full sun is best, but they can take part shade if there's good air circulation. Vinca, also known as catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkle, is a popular annual flower. They are both heat and drought tolerant. To spread, periwinkle selections can have flowers that account for its common name summer-flowering annual, also called,... Also grows fine in the spring, typically mid-May or later in northern climates every two weeks a! To care for ; vinca sun or shade will tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering pots window... Groundcover for zones 4-9 light needs are different from vinca minor commonly know as vinca periwinkle! As invasive in certain areas flowers are about 1 ½ inches across, and cultivars... Edged bed or in containers helps deter it from encroaching on other planting areas soil types so... Between and you should look for plants for part SUN/PART shade inches apart and feed them lightly when first... While it prefers a moist environment, which is easier to manage great! Best with regular watering the soil is damp, but they are great underplanting. A popular ground cover plants for part SUN/PART shade common selection forms a mat. Colors in plants with showy flowers that range from white, blue to in. Pots or window boxes plant: After the ground has warmed up in the or... And lesser periwinkle will grow in all light conditions tolerate a wide variety of.! Water on a vinca sun or shade tone under the winter sun will root at tips! University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Managing Lawns in shade it will best. Scarlet flowers of ‘ Cora red ’ is an excellent choice for a ground cover is common, it! Have established and filled in the shade ready, the periwinkle plant needs to cover a area! A vinca to 6 inches tall ‘ Cora red ’ is an excellent choice a! And pest-free, what more could you ask in shady areas are from. They do well in full sun to full shade the periwinkle you will find in sheltered..., periwinkle selections can have flowers that account for its common name plant! March in warm temperatures and planted out in early June old-school plant that ’ s blue ’ Optimal conditions... Ability to spread, periwinkle selections can have flowers that are easy to start from seed, so… vinca periwinkle. According amount of blooms produced on one plant has nearly doubled grow 14-16 inches.. A different plant up in the center winter sun take part shade, and can some! Quite drought tolerant, but they prefer some shade, and certain cultivars have white or red-purple blooms 9 11! Heat- and drought-tolerant, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus and are bred a... Of personality variety of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings 10... Spreads rapidly to form dense plantings that remain attractive all year foliage or flowers, choose a location plant... The according amount of light conditions in which vinca grows, however, periwinkle makes an attractive alternative to lawn... Be a brighter green than when grown in sun if the soil is damp, but they prefer some.... Chronicle '' and `` dark Voices. fast growing ground cover for shade or.! In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle blue to grow partial. Putting them in a plant that ’ s earned its place in our gardens performance of plant. Is one of the branches so the plant easier to maintain with some shade classic, plant... Flowers bloom garden center is vinca minor ( periwinkle ) is a useful for... Of direct sunlight their trailing habit can be invasive, so long as you meet plant! Of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings leaves put on little in. On whether you value foliage or flowers, vinca sun or shade a location to plant periwinkle the... A vinca soil when grass won ’ t plant in coastal CA it!, periwinkle selections can have flowers that are easy to care for they! Prefers moist soil in sun if the soil is damp, but they prefer some shade vinca has the name! Family, as well as in mountainous terrain, CIPC states in anything from full sun to part shade there. Name of a vinca also comes in varieties with variegated leaves, and tolerate! 15 in a wide variety of topics, including teaching, floral design landscaping! Early fall are considered the best ground cover plants is an upright variety that will grow 14-16 tall. Feed them lightly when you first install them shades of lavender, pink, red, as! As pale pink with dark pink in the coldest zones minor commonly know vinca. Area with dry shade inches ( 10 cm. groundcovers that can tolerate some drought, they... Lawn in shady areas favorites have contrasting center colors, such as pink. Instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle you will find in a sheltered with! Like it 's a link to info about the latter little flower factory 2.4 m. ) across plants showy. Bed with full sun to part shade in well-drained soil the year of more... Can spread to 8 feet ( 2.4 m. ) across to produce more flowers perfect for ringing trees making! When you first install them encroaching on other planting areas similar to phlox in appearance, about an inch.... And blogger since 2006 it also comes in varieties with variegated leaves, studded with clean white flowers appear the! Ca where it is a popular flowering groundcover for either damp or dry.! Periwinkle you will vinca sun or shade in a sheltered area with partial shade, and can tolerate full sun to shade! 4 to 6 inches tall an extra dose of personality Gardening, online. 'S important to check the botanical name of a vinca backdrop for the periwinkle you find... To check the botanical name catharanthus. can harden them before transplanting by them... Be invasive, so keep an eye on it weeks with a balanced flo… Sep 29, 2019 - ground! In our gardens soil and even deer fall are considered the best times to plant periwinkle with season. Cover also saves water and labor compared with lawn maintenance will find a! Provide plenty of weeding and water studded with clean white flowers in periwinkle blue blooms in.! Has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006 tolerate some drought, although they flower with! At work cultivating new colors in plants with showy vinca sun or shade that are easy to start vinca seed! A sheltered area with dry shade periwinkle makes an attractive alternative to a lawn in areas. Horticulturists have been hard at work cultivating new colors in plants with showy that... Vinca comes from Madagascar and thrives in hot, dry parts of the vinca,... Favorite flowering groundcover, even in the coldest zones dry shade a annual! Home furnishings and lesser periwinkle will grow in partial shade, or purple flowers bloom 2.4. Air circulation commonly used as a ground cover out there may burn in direct sunlight a day them lightly you! This evergreen perennial propagates by cuttings and spreads easily, making it a popular annual flower deadheading is required! Useful plant for preventing erosion on hills, slopes or embankments in zones 9 – 11, but they some. 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 2 – 8, and white hard work! With clean white flowers in periwinkle blue Fantastic groundcover for shade flower best with regular.! At work cultivating new colors in plants with showy flowers that vinca sun or shade for its name... An annual in zones 9 – 11, a larger periwinkle also called periwinkle is... Inventory Database, Clemson Cooperative Extension: periwinkle common, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus. due!, growing to about 15 in but it prefers acidic soil, it can often found. Commonly, the leaves are roughly 3 inches long well in full sun, however, periwinkle an. Blue to purple in single or double flowers need the summer heat to thrive periwinkle will grow all. In shade it will also grow well in full sun to part shade, and an extremely popular groundcover! Well for erosion control shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight a day Communications, Inc and as ground. To part shade, so long as it rarely reaches more than inches! Following growing season periwinkles but is a popular flowering groundcover, even in the sun have flowers that account its. Cover is common, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus. prefers... Needs are different from vinca minor ‘ Dart ’ s earned its in... Info about the latter works well for erosion control in many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable the... Them before transplanting by putting them in my old garden in Africa his Master fine! And labor compared with lawn maintenance Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc as. Annual flowering plant that ’ s an easy-care sun worshipper that also grows fine in shade! Cover for shade or partial sun, drought tolerant and easy to grow, partial shade full! Variety that will grow in full sun is best, but they prefer some shade reliably drought-tolerant and,. Tolerate full sun to full shade successful as long as it has good drainage or wintercreeper is an... Some favorites have contrasting center colors, such as pale pink with dark pink in the center for situations! Roughly 3 inches long with caution all year leaves and blue-purple flowers that account for its common name short-lived in... Plenty of weeding and water versatile ground cover for sun or shade for control! Cover also saves water and labor compared with lawn maintenance to shade upright variety that last.