About

A vigorous evergreen sub-shrub forming a clump of erect stems bearing glossy ovate leaves and solitary violet-blue flowers 4cm wide in the leaf axils, with long rooting sterile stems making effective ground cover.

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 hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toMediteranean

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. Has potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
PruningMinimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPlease see cultivation notes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust