Vinca Minor Atropurpureum

Vinca Minor Atropurpureum, commonly known as ‘Lesser Perriwinkle’  , is a beautiful and low-growing evergreen plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is a cultivar of the Vinca minor species, which is native to Europe and Western Asia.

The leaves are dark green with a glossy texture and a slight curl at the edges. The new growth is a deep reddish-purple colour that fades to a bronze-green as the leaves mature. The plant is a trailing ground cover that grows up to 10cms tall and can spread up to 1.5 metres wide, forming a dense mat of foliage.

It produces small, deep violet-purple flowers with a white centre that bloom from early Spring to late Summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have five petals that are arranged in a pinwheel-like pattern. The blooms are borne on short stems above the foliage, and the plant can produce an abundance of flowers in ideal growing conditions.

This plant is very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and can also tolerate dry soil once established. It prefers partial to full shade, but it can also grow in full sun in cooler climates. It is also deer resistant and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

This is an excellent choice for a ground cover or border plant, and it’s also suitable for rock gardens and container planting. Its deep green and purple foliage provides year-round interest, and its lovely purple flowers make it a standout in any garden. It’s also a popular plant for erosion control on slopes and embankments.

Overall, this is a hardy and attractive plant that is easy to grow and maintain. With its striking foliage and beautiful flowers, it’s an excellent choice for any garden or landscape project.

How to care for your Vinca Minor Atropurpureum

• Watering: Prefers moist soil but can also tolerate drought once established. Water the plant regularly during the first year to help it establish its roots. After that, only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Fertiliser: Does not require much fertilisation. However, you can apply a slow-release fertiliser in the Spring to promote healthy growth and blooms.
• Pruning: This plant does not require much pruning, but you can trim it back in early Spring to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead or damaged stems. You can also trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or aged manure to the soil before planting to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade, but it can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to wilt or burn.
• Propagation: You can propagate by division or stem cuttings. Division is best done in the Spring, while stem cuttings can be taken in the Summer. Plant the new divisions or cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they establish roots.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your Vinca Minor Atropurpureum stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.