Vinca - Periwinkle

The Periwinkles or vinca are perennial ground cover plants that are very effective in quickly covering a surface and preventing weeding. These plants have long creeping branches with bright green foliage and single, flat flowers in white, blue, or violet. They like all types of fresh and sunny soil. A generous watering twice a week is necessary in summer. Maintenance is limited to containing the spread by pruning and taking advantage of the opportunity to replant some rooted branches to multiply them. The Vinca Minor or lesser Periwinkle varieties do not exceed 20cm (8in) in height, while the Vinca Major or Greater Periwinkle can reach 30 cm (12in).

Be careful, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.