Lesser Periwinkle – Vinca minor

Appearance: Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a low-growing evergreen plant with glossy, oval leaves and star-shaped flowers. The blooms are typically violet-blue but can also be white or lavender, appearing from spring to summer.

Growth Habit: A creeping perennial that forms a dense mat, growing 4–6 inches tall and spreading widely through trailing stems that root as they touch the ground.

Cultivation: Popular as a groundcover for shady areas and slopes, it can naturalize aggressively if not controlled.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of soil types, including poor or sandy soils.

Sunlight: Thrives in partial to full shade but tolerates some sun, particularly in cooler climates.

Watering: Requires moderate watering. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment but is drought-tolerant once mature.

Uses:

Culinary: None; it is not edible and is mildly toxic.
Dyeing: No known use in dyeing.
Ornamental: Widely used as a groundcover for its lush foliage and charming flowers. It’s ideal for erosion control and shade gardens.
Medicinal: Traditionally used in folk medicine for its astringent and circulatory properties. Extracts from the plant, including vincamine, have been studied for enhancing cerebral blood flow. However, caution is advised due to its alkaloid content, which can be toxic in large amounts.

Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Trim back in spring to control spread and encourage denser growth. Monitor its spread, as it can become invasive in certain regions.