Periwinkle (Vinca) Ground Cover Plants for Sale in Ireland
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Vinca (periwinkle) is a tough evergreen ground cover that carpets shade, banks and weedy corners with glossy leaves and blue, purple or white flowers in spring. Choose from 6, 24, 48 and 60 plant packs of lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) and greater periwinkle (Vinca major), including variegated and golden forms. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Vinca minor or Vinca major?
Lesser periwinkle is the neater choice for most gardens. Greater periwinkle is taller and more vigorous, so it suits large banks, hedge bottoms and rough ground where it has room to spread.
| Periwinkle | Look | Typically flowers | Height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) | Blue flowers, dark glossy leaves | March–May | About 10–20 cm | Shade, under shrubs and trees |
| Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' | Deep purple flowers | March–May | About 10–20 cm | Rich colour in shade |
| Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' and 'Alba' | White flowers | March–May | About 10–20 cm | Lighting up dark corners |
| Vinca minor 'Aureovariegata' and 'Blue and Gold' | Gold-variegated leaves | March–May | About 10–20 cm | Year-round leaf colour |
| Vinca major (greater periwinkle) | Larger leaves, blue flowers | April–June | Up to about 40 cm | Banks, hedge bottoms, large areas |
| Vinca major 'Alba' and variegated forms | White flowers or cream-edged leaves | April–June | Up to about 40 cm | Bright, bold cover |
Flowering time and height vary with site and weather.
How many vinca plants do I need?
Space plants about 30 cm apart, which takes roughly 11 per square metre. A pack of 24 covers around 2 square metres, 48 around 4 and 60 around 5. Closer planting fills in faster; wider spacing is cheaper but leaves gaps to weed for longer.
Planting and care
Vinca copes with shade and with dry shade under trees once established. Plant in autumn or spring in reasonably free-draining soil, water well for the first season, and keep weeds out until the plants knit together. Trim back in spring if it spreads further than you want; Vinca major in particular needs room or regular cutting back.
Frequently asked questions
Will periwinkle grow in shade?
Yes. Vinca minor is one of the most reliable evergreen ground covers for shade, including the dry shade under trees and shrubs.
What is the difference between Vinca minor and Vinca major?
Vinca minor is smaller and neater, growing about 10–20 cm tall. Vinca major has larger leaves, grows taller and spreads more vigorously, so it suits bigger areas.
Does vinca suppress weeds?
Once the plants have joined up into a dense mat, vinca helps keep weeds down. Weed the area until then.
Can I plant vinca on a slope?
Yes. Its trailing stems root as they spread, which helps cover banks. See our guide to the best ground cover plants for slopes.
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