Lesser periwinkle, like its large-leaved relative Vinca major, is poisonous but offers some benefits as a garden plant. That is why the different varieties of Vinca minor are often used as flowering ground cover in private gardens.

Small periwinkle is a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover

Key data on the small periwinkle:

  • Plant family: Apocynaceae (dogbane family)
  • Growth form: creeping semi-shrub, twigs with flowers usually straight up
  • Growth height: between 10 and 20 cm depending on location and variety
  • usual locations: deciduous and mixed forests, semi-shady parks, often encountered as a cultural refugee
  • Flowering period: between March and June
  • Flower color: in wild forms usually light blue to violet
  • Flower shape: funnel-shaped with 5 sepals
  • Leaves: opposite, lanceolate and glossy
  • Vinca minor is perennial
  • Use: formerly as a medicinal plant (caution: very controversial today!)
  • Caution: Lesser periwinkle is poisonous to humans and animals
  • Propagation: vegetative, seed formation is very rare in Central Europe

Select the right location in the garden for the small periwinkle

Lesser periwinkle grows well even in relatively shady areas of the garden. However, the location should not be too dry. It may help to prepare the soil before planting this ground cover. In addition, on slopes that are usually rather dry, it can make sense to water a carpet of lesser periwinkle plants during phases of extreme drought.

Easily multiply the small periwinkle yourself

The propagation of the lesser periwinkle is not very expensive, although this plant rarely forms seeds in Central Europe. When propagating vegetatively, you can use the following methods:

  • wait for the plants to spread by themselves
  • Cut off rooted side shoots/offshoots and transplant
  • Cut cuttings and root them

tips

If you have a little patience and don't need a closed carpet of small periwinkle plants right away, you can simply choose a slightly larger planting distance when planting. Loosen up the soil between the plants and fertilize the soil with some compost to facilitate rooting of lateral offshoots.

Category:

Herbs