Common Periwinkle
Vinca minor
- Native to:
- Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Ukraine
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Vinca
- Species:
- Vinca minor
- USDA Symbol:
- VIMI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 2-3 months; sow in fall or after cold treatment.