Lesser periwinkle
vinca minor
Also known as: ["Myrtle","Catharanthus minor","Periwinkle"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen vine with glossy, dark green leaves and small, lavender-blue flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Vinca |
| Botanical Name: | Vinca minor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: ground cover in shaded garden beds or under trees
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to good drainage; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives in enriched conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering; light trimming can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light; avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to sunlight changes; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; place in shaded areas in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is preferable; dappled light is ideal; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged; adjust frequency based on weather and soil conditions.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, peat-based mix, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back straggly stems to encourage branching; shear lightly for a neater appearance.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to control spread and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Tools
Hand pruners, bypass shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune in early spring; remove dead or diseased stems; trim to desired shape.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in a container with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; Vinca minor is slow-growing and may not need frequent repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it reaches the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots; once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf discoloration, slow growth, and potential frost damage if not protected.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor, especially in direct sunlight.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Vinca minor is not heavy feeder; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Vinca minor. The vinca alkaloids present can cause mild irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Vinca minor can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of vinca alkaloids. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVinca minor contains vinca alkaloids, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and other mild symptoms if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vinca minor invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions due to its vigorous spreading habit.
Q: Does Vinca minor require full sun?
A: No, it thrives in partial shade to full shade.
Q: Is Vinca minor toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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