About
An evergreen perennial or subshrub, to around 50cm high but spreading via long, arching shoots that root at the nodes. Glossy, oval-shaped leaves emerge veined with golden yellow, and mature to dark green. Violet flowers with broad petals are produced over a long period from late spring to autumn.
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 sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any but very dry soil, in sun or shade; flowering is best in full sun. Has potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
PruningTo restrict growth, cut back hard in early spring
PropagationPropagate by division or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal infections including Phoma blight, rhizoctonia root rot and rust diseases