The small periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a popular ground cover for planting green carpets in the garden due to its ability to reproduce and its low height. In addition to the wild form of Vinca minor with the typical bluish-purple flowers, there are now a whole range of cultivated varieties available in specialist garden shops.
Which Vinca minor varieties are there for the garden?
Popular Vinca minor varieties are 'Alba' with white flowers, 'Bavaria' with blue-white flowers, 'Austria' with white-red flower combination, 'Yellow Eye Catcher' with yellowish foliage and blue flowers and 'Rubra' with bright red to purple flowers. Ideal for shady beds and as ground cover.
Vinca minor 'Alba':
This subspecies of Vinca minor is characterized by its bright white flowers. These provide bright splashes of color in shady beds and under groups of trees between May and September.
Vinca minor 'Bavaria':
This variation of the small periwinkle got its name because of the color combination of the flowers. Both white and bright blue flowers appear on the plants during the flowering period. This means you can enjoy two different flower colors even in an area uniformly planted with plants of this variety. However, pay attention to the relatively high water requirements of this type of evergreen, which should be watered regularly in dry locations.
Vinca minor 'Austria':
Similar to Vinca minor 'Bavaria', this variety was also named according to the national colors of Austria. Therefore, choose plants of this evergreen variety to plant in your garden if you would like to see white and reddish flowers as a splash of color on your green carpet of Vinca minor.
Vinca minor 'Yelow Eye Catcher':
The flowers of this cultivated variety of the small periwinkle are similar to the blue of the wild form of Vinca minor. The name refers to the striking yellowish foliage. Nevertheless, this cultivar is of course “evergreen”, even if the foliage itself is not that green.
Vinca minor 'Rubra':
This cultivar of evergreen produces bright red to purple flowers. Like other varieties, the flowering period lasts from May to September. It can also be attractive to use this variety with the appropriate planting distance as a contrast to the classic blue and violet color variants.
The care conditions for the cultivars of Vinca minor:
Similar to the wild form Vinca minor, the following factors should also be taken into account when breeding varieties:
- no direct sunlight
- sufficient moisture
- Preparing the soil
Tip
Some cultivars of the small evergreen in garden shops are not quite as hardy as the inherently insensitive wild form Vinca minor. If in doubt, pay close attention to the information on the corresponding plant containers.
