Vinca minor

Common name: Lesser Periwinkle

Description: This classic British native evergreen groundcover has been treasured in gardens for centuries for its reliable performance and charming spring flowers. The glossy, dark green leaves form a dense mat of vegetation that effectively suppresses weeds and covers the ground year-round. From early spring through to early summer, a profusion of periwinkle-blue, five-petalled flowers appears amongst the foliage, creating a beautiful carpet of colour. The trailing stems root as they spread, gradually forming extensive colonies ideal for covering banks, woodland floors, or difficult shaded areas under trees where little else will grow. This is one of the most useful and trouble-free groundcover plants for British gardens, thriving in positions from full shade to partial sun.

Other benefits: excellent weed-suppressing groundcover, thrives in dry shade, native plant, low maintenance, evergreen coverage

Wildlife attraction: bees, early pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.15m x 2m+

Position: partial shade to full shade; tolerates a wide range of light conditions

Soil pH: adaptable to all soil types including heavy clay and dry shade

Moisture: low to moderate watering required; drought tolerant once established; very adaptable

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -25°C