Dwarf Periwinkle Creeping Myrtle (Vinca Minor)

Dwarf Periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as Creeping Myrtle, is a hardy, evergreen groundcover renowned for its lush carpet of glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant pinwheel-shaped flowers. This trailing perennial reaches only 3–6 inches in height and quickly spreads to create a dense mat, rooting along thin stems as it grows, which makes it an ideal choice for slopes, banks, woodland gardens, or under shrubs. In spring, and sometimes sporadically in summer, it produces small star-shaped blue-violet blooms which attract pollinators and enliven shady spots.

Growing Dwarf Periwinkle

Light: Thrives in partial shade to full shade but tolerates full sun, especially in cooler climates.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, enriched soil but tolerates acidic to neutral pH, and adapts to clay, sand, or loam.

Water: Water deeply and regularly while establishing, then reduce; mature plants are drought-tolerant and require occasional watering only during dry spells.

Maintenance: May require spring pruning to control spread. Mulching helps suppress weed outbreaks, and plants can be divided to rejuvenate patches.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; handles heat and heavy shade, resistant to deer, rabbits, fire, erosion, and drought.

Problems: Can be vigorously spreading and considered invasive in some areas. Best managed with regular spring clean-up or contained planting.

Shipping Info

Dwarf Periwinkle is shipped as a sturdy, established plant ready to spread and thrive with minimal care—ideal for quick coverage on slopes, shady beds, or borders.

This summary highlights its vigorous, low-maintenance qualities and enduring beauty, making it a favorite groundcover for gardeners across a range of climates and situations.