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Description
Vinca Minor La Grave, also known as Common Periwinkle, is a low-growing evergreen plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is an ideal groundcover plant for shady areas, and it can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches wide. The plant produces delicate, blue-violet flowers in the spring and summer, and its leaves are glossy and dark green.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vinca |
Appearance
Vinca Minor La Grave has a low-growing, spreading habit with glossy, dark green leaves that are 1-2 inches long. The plant produces delicate, blue-violet flowers in the spring and summer, and each flower has a five-lobed corolla with a white throat. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter, and they bloom in clusters of two or three. The plant’s stems are slender and trailing, and they can root at the nodes, allowing the plant to spread quickly.
Care Guide
Vinca Minor La Grave is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: Vinca Minor La Grave prefers moist soil but will tolerate some drought once established.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Vinca Minor La Grave prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun in cooler climates.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vinca Minor La Grave is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Some common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Habitat
Vinca Minor La Grave is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America. The plant prefers shady areas and is often found growing in woodland habitats, along stream banks, and in rocky areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vinca Minor La Grave an invasive species?
A: While Vinca Minor can spread quickly, it is not considered an invasive species in most areas.
Q: Can Vinca Minor La Grave be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Vinca Minor can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization than if grown in the ground.
Q: Can Vinca Minor La Grave tolerate drought?
A: While Vinca Minor can tolerate some drought once established, it prefers moist soil.
Q: How often should Vinca Minor La Grave be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Vinca Minor La Grave:- Vinca Major- Ajuga Reptans- Brunnera Macrophylla- Lamium Maculatum
References
– “Vinca Minor ‘La Grave’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280189&isprofile=0.- “Vinca Minor.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/vinca-minor-growing-tips-2132446.- “Vinca Minor.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp518.
