Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Botanical name

Vinca minor

Other names

Lesser periwinkle, Lady's flower, Running myrtle, Small periwinkle, Trailing myrtle, Wintergreen

Genus

Vinca Vinca

Species

V. minor - V. minor is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with ovate, glossy, dark green leaves and single, violet-blue flowers from spring to early autumn.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Trailing

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Colour

Flower

Violet in Spring; Violet in Summer; Violet in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free

General care

Pruning

This plant can be invasive left unchecked.

Propagation methods

Division, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle) will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Easy to grow in all soils, except for very dry soils. Flowers well in full sun but also very useful for shady areas as well.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca and related strains

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range causing substantial damage to olive production in the south of Italy. The priority is to prevent further spread from that area through robust EU regulation. This subspecies is unlikely to be able to thrive in the UK; but should an outbreak occur there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spilostethus pandurus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Seed bug unlikely to pose a significant threat to UK plant health.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spilostethus hospes

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Seed bug unlikely to pose a significant threat to UK plant health.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/