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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCommon periwinkle (Vinca minor) can create a low, evergreen mat with spring flowers, and it is relatively easy to establish in partial shade. But its ability to root along trailing stems also lets it escape gardens and displace native ground-layer plants. Before buying it, check your state, county, or local invasive-species guidance. Avoid planting it near woods, streams, drainage corridors, conservation land, or other unmanaged natural areas; in those locations, a native groundcover is usually the better choice.
Where it is permitted and appropriate, plant container-grown periwinkle in prepared, well-drained soil in spring or early fall. Space plants about 8 inches apart for quicker coverage or 12–18 inches apart to reduce the initial plant count. Keep the root balls evenly moist during the first growing season, then inspect and control the edges several times each year.
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First, make sure you have the right “periwinkle”
This guide is for common or lesser periwinkle, Vinca minor, an evergreen perennial groundcover in the dogbane family. It is not the same plant as annual bedding vinca, Catharanthus roseus. Annual vinca is a tender warm-season bedding plant; Vinca minor is a hardy, creeping groundcover generally grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8.
Vinca minor usually grows 3–8 inches tall. Its glossy, opposite leaves form a low mat, while five-petaled flowers appear mainly in spring. Flowers may be blue, lavender, purple, or white, depending on the cultivar. Trailing stems root at nodes that touch the soil, allowing one plant to expand sideways and eventually form a dense carpet.
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![Greenwood Nursery: Live Ground-Cover Plants - Vinca Minor + Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle - [Qty: 50 Bare Roots] - (Click for Other Available Plants/Quantities)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kEKTyxCPL._SL160_.jpg)
- Evergreen groundcover 50 bare root plants in one order Periwinkle blue flowers Shade loving plant Fast growing ground cover
Is periwinkle a responsible choice for your site?
Periwinkle’s spreading habit is both its main gardening advantage and its principal liability. The same stems that fill a difficult bank can cross a property line, move down a slope, or enter a woodland edge. The Invasive Plant Atlas and USDA Forest Service identify Vinca minor as an introduced plant capable of forming dense mats and displacing native ground-layer vegetation.
Use extra caution—or choose something else—if your bed is:
- Next to a forest, naturalized area, park, or conservation land
- Near a stream, wetland, drainage ditch, or ravine
- On an unmanaged slope where stems can move downhill
- Connected to native vegetation or difficult to inspect regularly
- In an area where local authorities list Vinca minor as invasive or discourage its sale or planting
Check local invasive-plant lists before purchasing. Some extension and conservation organizations recommend avoiding periwinkle altogether and suggest native replacements such as Allegheny pachysandra, foamflower, Virginia creeper, and native ferns. The right substitute depends on the site’s light, moisture, soil, and deer pressure.
For a contained ornamental bed well away from natural areas, you can consider native shade groundcover plants first, or Vinca minor plants if local guidance confirms that periwinkle is suitable. Neither choice should be treated as universally appropriate.
Where periwinkle grows best
Periwinkle tolerates full sun, partial shade, and close to full shade. It generally establishes most easily in partial shade or filtered light, where the soil stays more evenly moist and the foliage remains attractive. Flowering is usually heavier with more light; plants in very deep shade may remain leafy but produce fewer flowers and develop a more open habit.
Choose a site with:
- Partial shade or filtered light for the best balance of establishment, foliage, and flowering
- Moist, well-drained soil during the first growing season
- Enough room for lateral spread beyond each plant’s original root ball
- A clearly defined, inspectable edge if the bed borders lawn or another planting
Once established, periwinkle tolerates dry soil, drought, erosion, and heavy shade better than many groundcovers. It is not permanently drought-proof, however, and newly planted roots need regular moisture. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged after rain; chronic saturation and poor air circulation increase the risk of stem and root problems.
When to plant
Plant container-grown periwinkle whenever the soil is workable during the growing season, but spring and early fall are usually the easiest seasons. Spring gives the roots a full growing season to expand. Early fall can also work if the plants have time to root before the ground freezes.
Do not plant into waterlogged soil, and do not allow purchased plants to sit with dry root balls. Water containerized plants before removing them from their pots. If you use bare-root plants, keep the roots cool and moist and rehydrate them before planting.
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- Remove turf and perennial weeds. Dig out persistent roots and rhizomes before planting. Weeds are much easier to remove before the periwinkle stems become intertwined with them.
- Check drainage. If water stands after rain, correct the drainage problem or select a different site. Periwinkle can tolerate dry conditions after establishment but does not perform well in chronically saturated ground.
- Loosen compacted soil. Prepare the full intended planting area rather than making isolated holes in hard, weedy turf.
- Add organic matter only if needed. Use it to improve structure, not to create a small pocket of unusually rich soil. A sharply different planting hole can encourage roots to remain confined instead of moving into the surrounding soil.
- Plan the boundary. Decide where runners must stop and make that edge easy to inspect. Containment is part of planting, not an afterthought.
A light mulch layer can conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from the crown, and do not bury trailing stems unless you intentionally want them to root.
Rank #2
- Fast-Growing Ground Cover: These Vinca minor vines establish quickly to create a lush, evergreen carpet that spreads efficiently across your garden, providing year-round greenery and effective coverage for bare soil areas
- Versatile Light Requirements: Thrives in multiple lighting conditions including full sun, complete shade, and semi-shaded areas, making it an ideal solution for challenging spots in your landscape where other plants struggle to grow
- Attractive Foliage: Features beautiful dark green, glossy oval-shaped leaves that maintain their rich color throughout all seasons, creating a dense and elegant ground cover that enhances any garden aesthetic
- Charming Blue Blooms: Produces delicate light blue flowers that emerge in early spring, with occasional blooming periods continuing through the summer months, adding pops of color to your landscape
- Generous Plant Quantity: Includes 50 individual creeping Vinca minor vines, providing ample coverage to fill large garden areas, borders, slopes, or difficult-to-maintain spaces with this low-maintenance perennial ground cover
How to plant periwinkle
- Water the plants first. Thoroughly moisten each container so the root ball holds together during planting.
- Mark the spacing. Set plants about 8 inches apart when rapid coverage is the priority. Use 12–18 inches between plants when lower initial cost matters more than immediate fullness.
- Dig to the correct depth. The hole should be no deeper than the root ball. Set the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
- Release congested roots. If roots are circling tightly around the outside of the root ball, gently separate a few outer roots. Avoid aggressively tearing the root system apart.
- Backfill with excavated soil. Firm the soil gently around the root ball, removing large air pockets without compacting the bed.
- Water deeply. Soak the root zone after planting rather than repeatedly sprinkling the foliage.
- Mulch lightly. Leave a small open gap around each crown and avoid covering stems that are not meant to root yet.
The bed may look sparse immediately after planting. Periwinkle fills primarily by lateral stem growth, not by quickly becoming taller. Eight-inch spacing produces faster visual coverage but requires more plants. Wider spacing reduces the initial plant count and cost but extends the time needed to create a continuous carpet.
Watering during establishment
For the first growing season, water often enough to prevent the root balls from drying while roots grow into the surrounding soil. Check the soil beneath the mulch rather than judging only by the leaves. When the soil begins to dry, soak the root zone thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain.
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Water at the soil line when possible. Prolonged leaf wetness, poor ventilation, and excessive moisture can contribute to problems such as stem rot, stem canker, or blight. Thin or remove damaged sections of a large patch and correct irrigation or air-circulation problems rather than keeping the bed continuously wet.
Fertilizer, flowering, and routine care
Established Vinca minor generally needs little fertilizer in reasonably prepared soil. Base fertilizer decisions on a soil test or a clear nutrient deficiency rather than applying it automatically. Excess nitrogen can produce soft, excessive foliage without improving flowering.
Expect the heaviest bloom in spring. More light generally means more flowers, while deeper shade favors foliage over bloom. The evergreen leaves are the main year-round feature, but plants may thin or become less vigorous where they are stressed by drought, waterlogging, heavy foot traffic, or competition from tree roots.
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Routine maintenance should include:
- Removing weeds before they become woven into the groundcover
- Inspecting the perimeter several times during the growing season
- Pulling or trimming runners that cross the intended boundary
- Clearing heavy leaf litter if it smothers foliage or hides escaping stems
- Checking large patches for thinning, lesions, or dieback
- Watering at the soil line when practical
Do not casually spray a broadleaf weed killer across an established periwinkle bed. Periwinkle is itself a broadleaf plant, so a herbicide used against clover or similar weeds can also injure or kill the groundcover—particularly when weeds and stems are intertwined. Manual weeding is slower but more selective.
Rank #3
- Brand: Eunivus
- Expected blooming period: Winter
- Plant or animal product type: Crepe Myrtle
- Expected blooming period: Summer
- Material feature: Natural
How to propagate periwinkle
Division and rooted vegetative pieces are the practical propagation methods. Because stems root at nodes, sections that already have roots can be separated and replanted. Divide while the plant is actively growing, then water the new pieces while they establish.
Handle every fragment responsibly. Do not move cuttings or rooted pieces into woods, ravines, stream corridors, or other natural areas. Do not discard viable stems where they can survive, including woodland edges or unmanaged compost piles. Bag unwanted material according to local disposal guidance rather than passing it to another gardener without explaining the plant’s spreading risk.
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Containment: keep the carpet inside its bed
Inspect the edge several times each growing season, especially after periods of vigorous growth. Remove runners before their nodes root beyond the intended boundary. Pulling a runner early is much easier than removing an established mat from adjacent vegetation.
- Keep the bed away from woods, streams, drainage corridors, and unmanaged slopes.
- Use a maintained perimeter that can be inspected from all sides.
- Redirect or remove stems before they cross the edge.
- Bag unwanted plant material instead of moving it elsewhere.
- Recheck local invasive-species guidance even if the plant was previously sold in your area.
Landscape edging may make the boundary easier to see, but it is not a guarantee that periwinkle will stay contained. Stems can move over or around an edge, and fragments can be transported by soil movement, yard waste, or deliberate planting.
If periwinkle is already spreading
Start with the least disruptive approach that fits the size of the infestation. In a small patch, dig and pull the plants, aiming to remove every rooted portion. Rake the area to find remaining fragments, then monitor it for regrowth through multiple growing seasons.
- Cut access paths if necessary. Trim surface growth so you can see the soil and the edge of the patch.
- Dig out rooted sections. Follow runners and remove the roots rather than collecting only the leaves and stems.
- Rake and inspect. Search for small rooted pieces, especially along the patch perimeter.
- Dispose of material responsibly. Do not dump it in natural areas or place viable fragments where they can escape.
- Monitor repeatedly. Cutting or mowing alone usually suppresses top growth without eliminating the root system.
- Replant or cover the cleared area. A managed replacement planting can reduce reinvasion and make new shoots easier to spot.
For extensive infestations, repeated cutting, mechanical removal, and carefully targeted herbicide treatment may be combined. Herbicides can injure desirable plants and are rarely a complete solution on their own. If you consider one, use only a product legally labeled for the site and target, follow the current product label and state requirements, protect desirable vegetation, and avoid applications near water or sensitive native plants without qualified local guidance. Product legality and directions vary by state and label.
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Native alternatives for shady sites
If your planting area touches natural vegetation—or if you want to avoid managing an aggressive spreading edge—choose a locally appropriate native groundcover instead. Potential options identified by extension guidance include Allegheny pachysandra, foamflower, Virginia creeper, and native ferns. They are not interchangeable: match the plant to actual light, soil moisture, drainage, mature size, and deer pressure.
A regional native-plant nursery, county extension office, or conservation organization can help identify plants suited to your state and site. A native label alone does not guarantee that a plant will thrive in deep dry shade, wet soil, or heavy deer pressure; site matching remains essential.
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- 🌿 [INFO1] - One of the faster growing ground cover plants for covering large areas. It produces soft periwinkle blue flowers sporadically over early Spring to Summer. Also called Creeping Periwinkle, it's a trailing ground cover vine that grows low to the ground with a good matting habit that is evergreen. Shade loving plant. Once established is Drought proof. Plants are fast growing for more rapid coverage.
- 🌿 [INFO2] - Adaptable to most any soil, vinca minor prefers fairly good soil and is easier to control than many other creeping ground cover plants. Also referred to as Trailing Periwinkle, Creeping Periwinkle or Creeping Myrtle evergreen. As with many fast growing plants, vinca can be invasive if not monitored. With a little attention and care, it can be grown safely in most landscape settings. Plant spacing for bare root vinca minor: 12 inches apart. 100 plants will cover 100 square feet.
- 🌿 [DETAILS] - Category: Groundcover Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Perennials ● Plant Type: Evergreen ● Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial, Full Shade ● Soil Condition: Well Drained, Moist ● Bloom Season: Spring ● Bloom Color: Blue, Purple ● Mature Height: 0 - 1ft ● Growth Rate: Fast-Growing ● Planting Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- 🌿 [PACKING/SHIPPING] - We pack every order with care to ensure your plants arrive healthy & protected. BARE ROOTS = Inspected, bundled, roots coated in hydrating gel & wrapped in moist paper - lastly sealed to trap the moisture inside. POTTED PLANTS = Inspected, trimmed & watered - lastly sleeved in craft paper, to protect the foliage & keep the soil inside the pot. All plants ship in fitted corrugated boxes, & for maximum protection they are stabilized with crunched craft paper & air pillows.
- 🌿 [GREENWOOD GUARANTEE] - We carefully pack each plant to ensure it arrives safely; however, some stress may occur during transit. Once your plants arrive, water them immediately & plant them as soon as possible to help them recover & thrive. We back every order with a 14-day guarantee from the delivery date. If there’s an issue, contact us promptly with evidence & a brief description — we’ll review it & work with you to make it right. We are not responsible for user error or negligence.
Optional establishment supplies
A soaker hose for garden beds can make it easier to water the root zone evenly during establishment. Garden mulch for groundcover can conserve moisture and suppress weeds when applied lightly. Neither is mandatory, and mulch should never be piled against crowns or used to cover stems unintentionally.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying annual vinca for a perennial groundcover project. Confirm that the label says Vinca minor, not Catharanthus roseus.
- Planting too deeply. Keep the crown and top of the root ball at the original soil level.
- Assuming shade means no watering. Newly planted roots still need regular moisture until established.
- Using broadleaf herbicide over the bed. It may damage the periwinkle along with the weeds.
- Ignoring the spreading habit. A dense mat can extend beyond the intended bed and into adjacent habitat.
- Planting automatically at a woodland edge. Native alternatives are generally the more responsible choice near natural areas.
- Discarding live fragments casually. Rooted nodes can survive and establish in places where they were never intended.
A practical care schedule
| Timing | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before planting | Check local invasive guidance, prepare the full bed, remove weeds, correct drainage, and define the edge. |
| Planting day | Water containers, set root balls level with the soil, water deeply, and mulch lightly. |
| First growing season | Check soil moisture beneath mulch, water when it begins to dry, and weed before runners become intertwined. |
| Several times each growing season | Inspect the perimeter and remove runners before they root beyond the bed. |
| After establishment | Water during prolonged drought, avoid unnecessary fertilizer, clear smothering leaf litter, and watch for thinning or stem damage. |
| If it escapes | Dig, pull, rake, dispose of fragments responsibly, and monitor the area for regrowth over multiple seasons. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should periwinkle plants be planted?
Space Vinca minor about 8 inches apart for faster coverage. A spacing of 12–18 inches reduces the initial number of plants but leaves the bed sparse longer while stems spread.
Will periwinkle grow in full shade?
Yes, it can tolerate close to full shade, but flowering is usually reduced and growth may become more open. Partial or filtered shade generally gives the best balance of foliage, establishment, and spring flowers.
Does periwinkle need full sun to flower?
No. It can flower in partial shade, although more available light usually produces heavier flowering. Deep shade favors foliage and may reduce the number of blooms.
Can periwinkle be planted near a wooded area?
It is generally best avoided there. Creeping stems can escape into woodland ground layers and form dense mats. Check local invasive-plant guidance and consider a native groundcover instead.
How long does it take periwinkle to fill in?
The timing depends on spacing, moisture, light, and growing conditions. Plants fill by lateral stem growth, so 8-inch spacing creates a carpet sooner than 12–18-inch spacing, but neither produces an instant full mat.
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Common periwinkle is the perennial groundcover Vinca minor. Annual bedding vinca is Catharanthus roseus, a tender warm-season plant with different growth habits and hardiness.
Can mowing eliminate periwinkle?
Usually not. Mowing or cutting suppresses surface growth but generally leaves the root system intact. Digging, removing rooted portions, and repeated follow-up are needed for more reliable control.
The Bottom Line
Periwinkle is a conditional groundcover choice, not a universal solution. In a permitted, well-contained bed away from natural areas, Vinca minor can provide evergreen foliage and spring flowers with modest ongoing care. Its fast rooting and lateral spread demand regular edge checks. Near woods, streams, or other natural habitat, choose a site-matched native groundcover instead.
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