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Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

dark purple-flowered periwinkle

A wide-spreading evergreen perennial about 10cm in height, with ovate, dark green leaves and deep reddish-purple flowers 2.5cm in width

Synonyms
Vinca minor 'Rubra'
Vinca minor 'Purpurea'
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Green
Summer Purple Red Green
Autumn Purple Red Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Vinca can be evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, paired leaves and solitary, 5-lobed, salver-shaped flowers in the leaf axils

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust

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