Vinca minor, or Lesser Periwinkle, is a total rockstar if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover with gorgeous violet blooms. It’s the perfect solution for those tricky spots under trees and shrubs since it absolutely loves shade and partial sun. There’s nothing quite like the pride of seeing your garden thrive, and the best part? If this plant starts getting a little too enthusiastic or crowded, it’s incredibly easy to thin out and spread around.
Propagating by Runners
Lesser Periwinkle is a colorful groundcover that usually reaches about 8 inches in height. It’s a fan favorite because it’s tough as nails and fills in large areas fast. It does this by sending out runners—side shoots that crawl along the ground and root themselves wherever they touch the soil. To grow more, all you have to do is snip these rooted side shoots away from the mother plant and tuck them into the dirt in a new spot.
Propagating by Cuttings
Growing new plants from cuttings is just as simple. During the summer (think June or July), snip off some “semi-ripe” cuttings about 6 inches long. You want stems that are flexible, not woody. Pro tip: take your cuttings from the edges of the plant so you don’t leave a noticeable gap in your carpet of flowers.
Planting Your Cuttings
You’ll want to get those cuttings into the ground right away to keep the roots from drying out. If you aren’t ready for their permanent home yet, you can start them in small starter pots. These plants aren’t picky, but to give your new babies the best start, make sure to water them in well. Also, don’t forget to give them plenty of room to breathe when spacing them out.
Propagating by Division
Division is another super easy way to get more plants. In fact, after a few years, your Periwinkle will actually appreciate being divided—it thins out the crowd and gives the plant a burst of new energy. If your garden is starting to feel a little cramped, just pot up the extras and gift them to your neighbors!
Keeping Growth in Check
While Vinca minor creates a stunning floral carpet in no time, not every garden bed is big enough for its “world domination” plans. If you want to enjoy the look without it taking over the neighborhood, you can slow down its spread by using landscape fabric or weed barrier.
