About

An evergreen, spreading perennial to 40cm tall with glossy, dark- green leaves with paler veins. Milky, pale blue flowers 5-7cm across are borne on erect stems in late winter and early spring.

About the genus

Vinca can be evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, paired leaves and solitary, 5-lobed, salver-shaped flowers in the leaf axils

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesRock garden

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. Can be invasive
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust