This prostrate or twinning climber has slender spreading stems that form a dense cover over a large area. It has dark green ovate leaves and the blue-violet trumpet-shaped flowers appear above the foliage from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9

Vinca minor is naturally found in Europe growing in woodlands and on disturbed soils. It prefers a well drained moderately fertile moist soil in a semi shaded to sunny protected position and is frost, drought and very cold tolerant when protected by snow.

The Dwarf Periwinkle is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. It is planted as a ground cover or used as a spill-over on embankments or in rockeries. It is fast growing and establishes in one season and is moderately long lived. It is also grown in patio pots and planter boxes or used in roof gardens. There are many cultivars available with varying flower colours. ID 645

Vinca(VING-ka) minor(Mi-nor)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)