Vinca minor Atropurpurea

Vinca minor Atropurpurea

Why Buy Me?

• Low growing, spreading
• Great for under planting taller plants
• Long flowering period
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Partial to full shade. Thrives in dappled or deep shade and is ideal for underplanting trees or filling shaded corners. Tolerates full sun in cool, moist conditions but may suffer leaf scorch in hot, dry, sunny locations.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Adapts to a variety of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Avoid soggy or poorly draining soils.

Exposure:
Performs well in both sheltered and moderately exposed locations. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9 (UK H5). Particularly suited to woodland settings, urban gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high. Once established, tolerates dry shade and periods of drought, especially in cooler climates. Occasional watering during extended dry spells will encourage denser growth and more blooms.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or autumn when conditions are mild and soil moisture is naturally higher. Can be planted at other times of year with regular watering.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Rapidly forms a dense, spreading mat up to 90 cm (3 ft) wide and 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall, ideal for groundcover and erosion control.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, water occasionally in dry periods. Fertilization is rarely needed but an application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can boost flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Lightly prune or shear after flowering to tidy the plant and limit spread if desired. Can be cut back hard in spring to rejuvenate growth.

Propagation:
Easily propagated by division, layering, or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. Also spreads naturally via trailing stems that root at the nodes.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Deep reddish-purple (sometimes described as burgundy or wine-coloured) flowers bloom from mid to late spring (April–May). Unusual colour for a periwinkle, offering a more dramatic floral accent in shady areas.

Summer:
Evergreen, glossy green foliage remains full and attractive throughout summer. Occasional scattered blooms may occur in cooler, moist conditions.

Autumn:
Foliage continues to provide groundcover and texture. Leaves may darken slightly with colder temperatures but remain green.

Winter:
Evergreen in most regions. Maintains a lush, low-growing carpet of foliage that adds winter structure and interest to shaded areas.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Dense foliage offers cover for insects and small garden wildlife. Not typically a food source for birds or mammals.

Garden Use:
Excellent for groundcover in shaded or semi-shaded areas, under trees, on banks and slopes, or along shaded walls. Ideal for erosion control and low-maintenance plantings. A good lawn alternative in tough shade where grass won’t grow.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other shade-loving plants like Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras, Lamium, Pulmonaria, and Hellebores. Its deep purple flowers provide a bold contrast to silver- or chartreuse-foliaged plants or spring bulbs like Snowdrops and Daffodils

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Vinca minor Atropurpurea. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.