Vinca Minor, commonly called lesser Periwinkle, is a scrambling evergreen shrub with dark green foliage that is studded from spring to autumn with pale blue or violet flowers. Tough and fully hardy this low growing, easy-care shrub is excellent for planting as groundcover under shrubs and trees or to cascade down banks. Grow Vinca minor in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade.

Planting

Dig a hole large and deep enough to take the plant’s root ball.

Gently tap the plant out of its pot without disturbing the soil around the roots.

Position the plant in the hole so the plant’s crown is level with the surface and sits at the same depth as it was in the pot; make sure the roots are in direct contact with the soil.

Backfill with the excavated soil and firm in gently.

Water to settle the soil around the roots.

Aftercare.

Watering: Water regularly in the first few weeks after planting but don’t overwater. The plants will send their roots down in search of moisture as they grow.

Feeding:  Give plants a boost if necessary with a handful of granular feed hoed into the soil in spring.

Pruning:  Prune out unwanted stems in spring to keep the shrubs manageable.