Vinca is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Vinca plants have glossy, dark green leaves and produce delicate blue, pink, purple, and white flowers. The flowers are five-petaled and have a distinctive tubular shape. The plants bloom from spring to fall, providing a stable source of color in the garden.
Vinca is often combined with other shade-loving plants to create colorful and dynamic displays. It can also be used as a groundcover, especially in shady areas where other plants may not thrive. Vinca is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. In addition, Vincas are drought-tolerant and can survive periods of neglect, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
One of the most popular species of Vinca is Vinca minor, commonly known as common periwinkle or creeping myrtle. This plant is a low-growing, spreading ground cover and is often used to control erosion on slopes and to fill in gaps in the garden. It has small, blue-purple flowers that appear in early spring and can continue to bloom intermittently throughout the growing season.