Is Vinca minor considered an invasive plant?

Yes, Vinca minor is considered invasive in many regions, particularly in parts of North America, where it can outcompete native vegetation and form dense monocultures.

How much sunlight does Vinca minor need to thrive?

Vinca minor prefers partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun in cooler climates, too much direct sunlight, especially in hot areas, can scorch its leaves and hinder its growth.

Is Vinca minor poisonous to pets?

Yes, Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids and is considered toxic to pets if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, hypotension, and other symptoms, so keep pets from consuming it.

What is the best way to prune Vinca minor?

Prune Vinca minor in early spring before new growth or after flowering to control its spread and maintain density. You can trim back leggy stems or shear larger areas to rejuvenate the plant.

What type of soil does Vinca minor prefer?

Vinca minor thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers consistently moist conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – Growing Guide, Benefits & Care

Lesser Periwinkle Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Lesser Periwinkle
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	Yes 5/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	Yes 5/5 intensity
Edible	No

Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, hypotension, and neurological symptoms if ingested by humans or pets.

Lesser Periwinkle Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Herb, Creeper
Plant Category: Ornamental
Plant Place Type: Ground, Garden, Groundcover
Plant Environment: Outdoor
Lifespan: Perennials
Plant Height: 0.1-0.2 m
Spread: 0.5-1 m
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Dormancy: Evergreen
Leaf Color: Dark Green
Leaf Type: Simple, Ovate
Flower Size: 2-3 cm
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 1500
Weed Status: Yes

Care guide for Lesser Periwinkle

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Vinca minor prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment phase and dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but perform best with regular moisture.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Distribution

Where Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is found

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Distribution map for Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

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Lesser Periwinkle Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Blue Myrtle
Common Periwinkle
Creeping Myrtle
Dwarf Periwinkle
Lesser Periwinkle
Lesser Periwinkle [plant]
Myrtle
Myrtle Creeping
Periwinkle
Petite Pervenche
Running-Myrtle
Small Periwinkle

Synonyms

Pervinca heterophyla Raf.
Pervinca procumbens Gilib.
Pervinca repens Raf.
Vinca acutiflora Bertol. ex W.D.J.Koch
Vinca ellipticifolia Stokes
Vinca intermedia Tausch

Lesser Periwinkle Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Lesser Periwinkle
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Gentianales
Family	Apocynaceae
Genus	Vinca
Species	Vinca minor

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Vinca

Greater Periwinkle

Vinca major

Vinca Difformis

Vinca difformis

Herbaceous Periwinkle

Vinca herbacea

Vinca ispartensis

Lesser Periwinkle FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

Is Vinca minor considered an invasive plant?
Yes, Vinca minor is considered invasive in many regions, particularly in parts of North America, where it can outcompete native vegetation and form dense monocultures.
How much sunlight does Vinca minor need to thrive?
Vinca minor prefers partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun in cooler climates, too much direct sunlight, especially in hot areas, can scorch its leaves and hinder its growth.
Is Vinca minor poisonous to pets?
Yes, Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids and is considered toxic to pets if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, hypotension, and other symptoms, so keep pets from consuming it.
What is the best way to prune Vinca minor?
Prune Vinca minor in early spring before new growth or after flowering to control its spread and maintain density. You can trim back leggy stems or shear larger areas to rejuvenate the plant.
What type of soil does Vinca minor prefer?
Vinca minor thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers consistently moist conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

Lesser PeriwinkleVinca minor

Lesser Periwinkle Care Summary