Plant of the Month for March Vinca

Vinca minor is a very popular ground cover plant and is a smaller version of its vigorous relative the greater periwinkle.

Vinca minor’s leaves, flowers and growth rate are about two thirds those of Vinca major. This makes Vinca minor more suitable for a variety of uses.

It can be planted in smaller beds and borders, and is very useful in winter baskets and containers. It is also good at colonising poor, dry and slightly shady conditions. It’s creeping and arching stems soon make an attractive carpet of bright green foliage. The sky-blue flowers appear in spring and are very attractive set against the green leaves.

Vinca minor can also be used as under planting for shrubs, roses and any odd corner of the garden that requires some greenery to brighten it up.


Vinca will grow in most soil types but like most other plants, requires good drainage at all times.


It can even be grown as a substitute for grass under trees. Spring flowering bulbs like snowdrops and crocus can also be under-planted as companion plants to good effect.

We have Vinca for sale at our garden centre right now.  You can find them in our pavilion, along with a whole range of other ground cover plants.  If you would like more information about Vinca or any other plant please feel free to get in touch with Becky or any of here plant team here at the nursery.  Either email us on hardyplants@grovesnurseries.co.uk or give us a call on 01308 422654.