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