Care of the plant Vinca minor o Common periwinkle |
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The genus Vinca, family Apocynaceae, comprises 5 species of herbaceous plants and subshrubs native to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The species are: Vinca minor, Vinca major, Vinca difformis, Vinca herbacea, Vinca erecta. Common names: Common periwinkle, Lesser periwinkle, Dwarf periwinkle, Small periwinkle, Myrtle, Creeping myrtle. This species is native to central and southeastern Europe, Ukraine and Caucasus. They are perennial herbaceous plants with creeping stems that reach 60 cm (23.6") in length; the flower stems are erect and reach 25 cm (9.84") in height. Opposite, elliptical-lanceolate leaves are dark green or variegated. The attractive 5-petaled flowers are 3 cm (1.18") in diameter and can be purplish-blue, white, sky-blue, purplish-red and silvery-white. They bloom in spring and sometimes also in autumn. They are used to cover undergrowth, shady slopes and low walls. Vinca minor needs semi-shade or shade exposure and a temperate climate. They resist frost well. They prefer fresh, light soils that contain abundant organic matter but will grow in any type of soil. Water regularly waiting for the surface of the substrate to dry; in summer slightly increase watering. Fertilize with organic matter at the end of winter. Prune old plants intensively to renew stems. They are plants of easy cultivation and resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by cuttings in spring, summer or autumn and from seeds sown in late winter. |
Images of the plant Vinca minor o Common periwinkle |
 Vinca minor |