What soil does Lesser periwinkle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Lesser periwinkle hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Lesser periwinkle flower?

Flowering: April–May, blue, purple.

How much water does Lesser periwinkle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Lesser periwinkle cost?

It sells for roughly €3 to €10 in local shops, depending on size.

Lesser periwinkle

Vinca minor

Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a ground cover plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €3.

Illustration of Lesser periwinkle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Plant it beneath trees and shrubs for a carpet of glossy evergreen leaves and violet-blue spring flowers. It performs best in partial shade and humus-rich, well-drained soil, with watering during prolonged summer drought. Keep its rooting runners within bounds and prevent children or pets from eating it.

Watch out for

Rooting runners can invade adjoining beds and crowd out smaller plants. In Central Europe, Phoma stem blight can cause wilting shoots and patches of dieback; periwinkle rust can also occur. Prolonged hot, dry weather can damage the foliage, especially in sunny positions. Published hardiness limits and mature individual-plant widths differ substantially.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, blue, purple

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 1 m
Ultimate size	10–20 cm × 0.5–1 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–May, blue, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €3
size not stated	approx. €3 – €10

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Evergreen plants Plants for containers

Looks good next to it

Spiked speedwell

Veronica spicata

Persimmon

Diospyros kaki

Goldencup St John's wort

Hypericum patulum