Overview
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' is a matforming shrub in the genus Vinca, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, borders and underplanting. It is native to Southern Europe.
About
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' is a cultivar of the Vinca genus, a group of Old World flowering shrubs in the Apocynaceae family. Known as Intermediate Periwinkle, this shrub thrives in partial shade to shade, favouring well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and suitable for use as groundcover, in borders, or for underplanting. 'Snowmound' prefers sheltered, semi-shaded aspects and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape. Propagation is typically by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vinca
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Well-drained, Loamy, Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Slightly acidic, Slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North, East, West
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Semi-shade
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Borders, Underplanting
- Native to
- Southern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vinca difformis 'Snowmound'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Vinca difformis 'Snowmound'?
Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Vinca difformis 'Snowmound'?
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered and semi-shade positions.
What soil does Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' need?
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Vinca difformis 'Snowmound'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' hardy in the UK?
Vinca difformis 'Snowmound' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Vinca difformis 'Snowmound'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering.
