Vinca Atropurpurea

Periwinkle, Myrtle

Sorry Sold Out

Unusual purple-wine colored flowers sets this common periwinkle apart.

The flowers are the main attraction of this periwinkle. Spring flowering plum purple flowers are nestled in glossy dark green leaves. Rooting along its vining offshoots this plant will cover the ground in just about any situation, but you will find that it flowers more if given plenty of light. Lovely beneath a deciduous tree.

Our plant spacing recommendations are based on how quickly these plants will spread in their first season of growth.

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Unusual purple-wine colored flowers sets this common periwinkle apart.

The flowers are the main attraction of this periwinkle. Spring flowering plum purple flowers are nestled in glossy dark green leaves. Rooting along its vining offshoots this plant will cover the ground in just about any situation, but you will find that it flowers more if given plenty of light. Lovely beneath a deciduous tree.

Our plant spacing recommendations are based on how quickly these plants will spread in their first season of growth.

Code VIAT

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Groundcovers

Species minor

Height Short 6"

Spacing Plant 2-3' apart

Bloom Time Late Spring to Early Summer

Sun / Shade Mostly Sunny to Full Shade

Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen
  • Rabbit Resistant

Planting Sites

  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Dry Shade Tolerant
  • Groundcovers
  • OK in Containers
  • Shade Tolerant

Vinca General Information

Vinca are evergreen groundcovers. Good for bank stabilization and erosion control. Can escape into the woods, so please plant responsibly. Some winter protection may be needed in colder zones. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Vinca Plant Care

Thrives in most soils. Stems root where they touch the ground. Cut back winter damaged growth to 4" in spring. Divide in early spring or mid fall as needed. May emerge late in spring.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October