Lesser periwinkle Vinca minor
Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Apocynaceae family, native to Europe and southwest Asia. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Lesser periwinkle at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe and southwest Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | US (several states, in the Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest): check local rules before planting |
Is Lesser periwinkle toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, stems
Contains vinca alkaloids such as vincamine; ingestion may cause stomach upset and low blood pressure.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lesser periwinkle
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lesser periwinkle
- How far apart should I plant Lesser periwinkle?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Lesser periwinkle need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lesser periwinkle need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lesser periwinkle?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Lesser periwinkle flower?
- From about March for 4–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lesser periwinkle poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains vinca alkaloids such as vincamine; ingestion may cause stomach upset and low blood pressure.
- What grows well with Lesser periwinkle?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lesser periwinkle. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by trailing stems that root at the nodes; it can smother native woodland ground flora.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Madagascar palm Pachypodium lamerei