Vinca Minor is a trailing sub-shrub that forms enormous clonal clusters by spreading along the ground and roots along the stems, sometimes scrambling up to 40 centimeters (16 in) high but never twining or ascending. The leaves are perpetually green, opposite, 2-4.5 cm (0.79-1.77 in) long and 1-2.5 centimeters (0.39-0.98 in) broad, glossy dark with a leathery feel and an entire edge, and are 1-2.5 centimeters (0.39-0.98 in) wide.
History Of Vinca Minor
Vinca minor is endemic to southern Switzerland and extends southward over much of the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal to Turkey and through much of North Africa. It was brought to the United States as an ornamental plant as well as a medical herb.
Vinca Minor
Vinca minor (often known as violet) is a tough, easy-to-maintain plant with attractive evergreen leaves and blooms that flourish in the sun or shade. It additionally acts as ground cover and is recognized for its creeping conduct. In warmer climates, periwinkle may be grown as a perennial, but in colder ones, it must be grown as an annual. Vinca minor vines produce blue flowers in the spring, although they can also be lavender, purple, or white. They may bloom in the heat of summer as well; however, the summer exhibit will be far less spectacular than the spring show. The hardy plant may also be planted in the autumn. It has an average growth rate and is typically transferred in the early spring. Periwinkle is detrimental to people and dangerous for animals in every way.
Vinca Minor Overview
Common Names: Vinca minor, creeping myrtle, typical periwinkle, and dwarf periwinkle are all examples of vines.
Botanical Name: Vinca minor
Family: Apocynaceae/dogbane
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen
Mature Size: Following branches up to 18 in. long, 3-6 in. tall
Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade
Soil Type: Clay, loam, and sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, neutral, and acidic
Bloom Time: Spring and summer
Flower Colors: Blue, lavender, purple, and white are all colors.
Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
Native Areas: Europe
Toxicity: Toxic to animals
Varieties Of Vinca Minor
Bowles
Vinca’s minor “Bowles Variety” resembles the original variety in appearance, but its lavender flowers and individual leaves are more significant, and the way it grows is clump-forming. Because it grows slowly, you may want to acquire additional plants and put them in closer proximity than you would with other vinca kinds. A report by the University of Connecticut Extension, the most prevalent hybrid is “Bowles Variety” vinca.
Atropupurea
Vinca minor “Atropurpurea,” sometimes known as the wine vinca, has large scarlet petals contrasting with its parent’s lavender blue. This variant blooms more often than the species, from April to September, when petals grow infrequently. According to the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Bellevue, Washington, the wine vinca is vining but not aggressive. This kind, which only measures 12 inches in height overall, is perfect for use near the foot of trees or at the front of fences.
Miss Jekyll
Minor Vinca “Miss Jekyll” is a white vinca whose name comes from Gertrude Jekyll, a first-generation 20th-century English landscape architect who developed the plant in her garden. It’s a popular type with a neat form and tiny white blooms that come out in the spring. In a “New York Times” column, Allen Lacy claims that despite cultivating this kind for ten years, it has only grown 8 feet. “Miss Jekyll” is a vinca minor cultivar that benefits from daylong sun exposure.
Alba
Vinca minor “Alba” has white flowers and is smaller in leaf and blossom size than Vinca minor. It blooms in the spring but not as profusely as the other varieties. “Alba Plena” is a rare, readily accessible multiply-flowered white cultivar.
Aureovariegata
There are several widely accessible types with bright gold or yellow leaves. Vinca minor “Aureovariegata” bears yellow edges on every leaf and blue blooms. It is a hanging type that does not overgrow, making it excellent for limited spaces.
Which Season Can You Grow Vinca Minor Plant?
The spring (Early, Mid, and Late), Summer (Early, Mid, and Late) autumn, and winter
How To Grow Vinca Minor
Clear any existing weeds in the designated location. The dirt should then be completely removed to allow for the quick and secure development of the tiny roots. If you have any, amend the soil with a little mulch or well-rotted garden compost. Make a plant hole and toss the container out of the ball’s base. After that, place the vinca minor in the center of the hole and partly cover it with the earth. Fill the hole with the remaining earth after fully slurrying it with water.
Vinca Minor care
Vinca minor vines possess a low spreading habit, reaching 3 to 6 inches tall and 18 inches long. These plants’ stems root at their connections as they move along the ground and spread quickly to form a lovely floral ground cover that may fill up a big area while discouraging weeds. Vinca minor vines tend to grow beneath mature trees, where most lawn grass fails due to a lack of sunlight. This resilient to drought vine won’t have to struggle for hydration with tree roots. This color-loving vine may help cover those pesky bare places while also providing a spring flower show.
Vinca Minor is a great choice for slopes, hillsides, and other situations where rains and water cause harm because of its creeping, expansive root structure. They can help with the retention of dirt due to their inclination to take root and spread.
Pruning
Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is an annual blooming plant that blooms from May to October. Any time of year is appropriate for light trimming.
Remove wilting flowers. Carefully pluck off the new blossom right above the next set of leaves.
The plant can be thinned out by pruning. Pinch off crowded areas of the plant so that they may receive more natural light, which will lead to greater blooming.
To shape the plant, prune it. Reducing new growth at Vinca’s tips prevents it from becoming overly lanky.
Propagation
Vinca minor can be produced from seed, although it takes a long time. A stem cutting can also be made, but it takes more work because the stem needs time to root. Use divisions or nursery transplants if possible. The most uncomplicated technique for propagation is to divide existing plants.
Scrape around the cluster of the plant you wish to transplant and lift it up. As the plants have weak roots, you mustn’t dig too far.
Transplant the division at the same level it was developing right away. After patting the earth down around the plant roots, water thoroughly.
Soil
Vinca minor vines need sufficient water flow. Place them about a foot apart if you want to quickly fill up an area. Typically, these plants can develop strongly without much difficulty. It might be disconcerting at times those kids develop so well. They can tolerate poor soil but will thrive in compost-rich soil.
Water
Although the plants prefer moist soils, the vines are quite drought-tolerant once they have grown.
Fertilizer
Fertiliser encourages vinca minor to generate more blossoms by turning its leaves green. Fertilizing your vinca minor once a month using an equally balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) may be beneficial if your soil lacks adequate rich organic matter. Still, it is not required because vinca minor grows well in poor soil also.
Light
Vinca minor grows well in full sun, medium tint, and moderate shade. It can withstand deep shade but will burn in full sunshine. Plant them in partial shade for the most outstanding results. They are also an excellent option for ground cover in areas with dry shade.
Temperature And Humidity
Although it is a resilient plant, it is prone to various diseases, especially in humid, moist environments. If you want to keep them inside for the winter because they are completely intolerant of the cold, bring them in when the nighttime temperature drops below 50 degrees Celsius.
Pests And Dieses
Vinca minor attracts indoor and outdoor pests, such as aphids, spider mites, magnitude, and whiteflies. Control any infections using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The vine is also prone to degeneration and dieback, which are often caused by fungal infections. Canker infections on the stem of Vinca minor are also possible.
Common Problems With Vinca Minor
There are no severe pest issues. However, vinca stem canker (blight) can harm or kill large areas. It quickly spreads onto nearby lawns or garden areas.
Uses Of Vinca Minor
Traditional medicine has utilized vinca minor to address issues with the heart, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and menstruation. It is frequently used to enhance memory and “brain physical health”. Vinca minor includes some of the chemicals known as vinca alkaloids, which are responsible for the plant’s therapeutic benefits.
Conclusion
Vinca minor (often known as periwinkle) is a tough, effortless maintain plant with attractive broad leaf leaves and blooms that thrive in the sun or shade. It is also helpful for ground cover and is well-known for its creeping behavior.