Overview
Vinca difformis is a shrub in the genus Vinca, part of the Apocynaceae family. Vinca difformis grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and borders. It is native to N Africa & SW Europe.
About
Vinca difformis is a shrub used primarily as a ground cover that bears whitish-blue flowers from May to September. It favours partial to full shade and performs best in sheltered spots. Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and keep soil moist but not waterlogged. H4 hardiness indicates average tolerance to UK winter conditions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vinca difformis
About the genus
Vinca is an Old World genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. The English name periwinkle is shared with the related genus Catharanthus. Some Vinca species are cultivated but have also spread invasively.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vinca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vinca
In the garden
Vinca difformis belongs to the genus Vinca in the Apocynaceae family and is native to North Africa and south-western Europe. As a low-growing shrub, it has a long flowering season running from May to September, and its whitish-blue blooms make it useful where summer colour is needed in shade. Place it in partial shade or full shade in a sheltered position; exposed sites reduce its potential. It prefers well-drained soils—sandy or loamy—and tolerates neutral to slightly acidic pH. Keep soil on the moist yet free-draining side; the plant does not like waterlogged conditions. The UK rating H4 corresponds to average hardiness, so it is suitable for typical garden situations where severe exposure or very cold microclimates are avoided. Use Vinca difformis as a ground cover beneath larger shrubs, in rock gardens between stones, or at the front of shaded borders to form a low, flower-bearing carpet. Allow its flowering period from May to September to provide extended seasonal interest where summer shade needs soft colour.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vinca
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Vinca difformis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock gardens, borders
- Native to
- N Africa & SW Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vinca difformis
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Vinca difformis?
Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Vinca difformis?
Vinca difformis prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vinca difformis need?
Vinca difformis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Vinca difformis?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Vinca difformis hardy in the UK?
Vinca difformis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Vinca difformis?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering.
