Vinca
Vinca, Periwinkle, Cemetery Vine
Vinca minor
Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family
▲ closer view of leaves
▲ vinca covering a slope at the Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, MO
Vinca minor: Common Periwinkle, Vinca, Cemetery Vine
Location on campus: under trees on west side of concrete pad north of Craig Hall; in Memorial garden near southeast corner of Plaster Student Union
- semi-woody, non-climbing/spreading groundcover with oval, opposite, entire-margined, evergreen leaves about 1/2" long and 1-1.5" long, smaller than Vinca major (Bigleaf Periwinkle)
- plant height is 4-6"
- has bright blue axillary flowers in early spring
- prefers full shade, but tolerates some sun
- needs moist, well-drained soil and prefers high organic matter levels
- medium to fast rate of growth
- prone to stem dieback in wet areas or stressed growing conditions