About

This vigorous, evergreen mat-forming perennial to 20cm in height, with dark green, ovate leaves and violet-blue flowers 2.5-3cm in width.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

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

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust