Vinca minor Blue

Vinca minor Blue

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. Performs best in dappled or full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or under trees. Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if the soil remains moist, though too much sun may cause leaf scorch in hot regions.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including loam, sand, and clay. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but can tolerate mildly alkaline conditions. Avoid overly wet or soggy soils.

Exposure:
Suitable for both sheltered and moderately exposed areas. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9 (UK H5). Tolerates urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soils.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high. Once established, it is highly tolerant of dry shade and poor soils, but occasional watering during extended dry periods supports lush foliage and consistent bloom.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in early spring or autumn when temperatures are cool and soil moisture is naturally higher. Can be planted year-round if soil is workable and irrigation is provided during dry spells.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. A fast-spreading groundcover that forms a dense mat up to 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall and 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) wide.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season. After establishment, water during prolonged dry periods. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can enhance flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Trim or shear after flowering to control spread and encourage denser growth. Hard pruning in early spring is well tolerated and helps rejuvenate older plantings.

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

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Produces abundant star-shaped, lavender-blue flowers from mid to late spring (April–May), creating a cheerful carpet of colour in shady areas.

Summer:
Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage forms a dense, attractive mat. Occasional scattered blooms may appear during cooler or moist summers.

Autumn:
Foliage remains lush and vibrant. Offers reliable ground coverage as many other plants begin to fade.

Winter:
Evergreen. Provides consistent structure and colour through winter months, especially valuable in otherwise bare or shaded garden spots.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Dense growth offers shelter for insects and small creatures. Foliage is typically deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Garden Use:
Excellent for groundcover in shaded or partly shaded areas, including under trees, along woodland paths, on slopes, or in difficult shady corners. Ideal for erosion control, lawn replacement in shade, and low-maintenance borders.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other shade-loving perennials and bulbs such as Hellebores, Hostas, Ferns, Pulmonaria, Lamium, and spring bulbs like Snowdrops, Crocus, and Daffodils. Its blue flowers provide a soft contrast to both warm- and cool-coloured companions.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Vinca minor Blue. 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.