Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–6 in tall and 18–36 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers part to shade. Reliable shady groundcover. Periwinkle-blue blooms in spring. Aggressive — can escape into adjacent areas.
low to medium water3–6 in tall and 18–36 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Vinca minor
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Bowles', 'Atropurpurea'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 3–6 in tall and 18–36 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- part to shade
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- blue, purple
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- low
- Good for
- under conifer, north foundation
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Once established, very low water. Aggressive spread — give it room.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Periwinkle good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Periwinkle is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Periwinkle get?
- It matures to about 3–6 in tall and 18–36 in wide.
- How much water does Periwinkle need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Periwinkle safe for dogs?
- No — Periwinkle is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
