Overview
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' is a matforming subshrub in the genus Vinca, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' grows best in full sun, partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Europe.
About
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' is a trailing subshrub in the Apocynaceae that spreads by rooting along its stems to form mats. It bears glossy, dark green leaves and produces solitary violet-purple flowers in the leaf axils. Flowering occurs from May to September.
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
In the garden
A trailing subshrub from the genus Vinca, Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' originates from central and southern Europe and establishes by layering, with stems that root where they touch the soil. The plant’s habit makes it effective at filling ground-level space quickly; individual stems produce solitary flowers in the leaf axils rather than clustered blooms. Allow the stems room to spread and intervene where it threatens other plants: cut back or lift and divide congested mats in spring. Because it roots readily from its trailing stems, new plants are straightforward to propagate by pegging sections of stem into soil until they form roots. Flowering in the UK runs from May to September, with blooms appearing intermittently along established mats. Use Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' where a spreading ground cover is required and where its habit can be contained by edging or occasional trimming. It suits areas where a low, spreading layer is wanted and can be renewed by dividing older patches. Note the cultivar’s pattern of solitary, axillary flowers when planning drifts or underplanting, since blooms appear along the mat rather than on upright spikes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vinca
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Subshrub
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates shade; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates shade; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'?
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' need?
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' grow?
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' hardy in the UK?
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'?
Division, Semi-ripe cuttings.
Is Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
