Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Honeydew')

Overview

Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’, commonly known as Lesser periwinkle, provides an exceptional, fast-spreading evergreen ground cover celebrated for its adaptability. This cultivar stands out due to its small, glossy, chartreuse leaves, which offer vibrant color contrast against darker foliage plants throughout the year. Gardeners highly value Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ for its dense mat-forming habit that effectively suppresses weeds while remaining visually appealing.

Flowering typically occurs from May into June, presenting charming lavender-blue flowers that persist intermittently later in the season. Its trailing stems root readily as they spread, quickly establishing a durable carpet perfect for slopes or challenging, dry shady spots. This perennial is crucial for quick coverage in large landscape areas where other plants struggle.

The ease of care associated with Lesser periwinkle makes it a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for reliable performance. Whether you need stabilization on an eroding bank or a bright accent beneath mature trees, Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ delivers robust texture and color with minimal input.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Apocynaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal establishment, plant Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ in average, well-drained soil. While it accepts full sun, it performs excellently even in heavy shade, though part shade is ideal if soils are kept moist. When establishing large expanses, space plants 12–18 inches apart; for faster coverage in smaller areas, aim for 8-inch spacing.

Watering requirements are flexible; this Lesser periwinkle thrives in dry to medium moisture conditions once established, reflecting its inherent drought tolerance. Avoid consistently soggy conditions, which can predispose the plant to disease. Generally, supplemental fertilizer is unnecessary, allowing for very low maintenance input.

Managing the spread is the primary seasonal task. While Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ is a superior groundcover, it can encroach on lawns or desired garden beds. In early spring before new growth begins, trim back any overly aggressive runners or lightly shear older patches to promote dense new growth.

Landscape Uses

The trailing nature of Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ makes it an indispensable choice as a foundational ground cover, especially where aesthetics must meet function. It is wonderfully effective on slopes and banks, where its rooting stems help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, fulfilling one of its recommended uses. Due to its tolerance for shade, consider using it beneath deciduous trees where turf grass fails to thrive.

As a versatile ground cover for shady areas, Lesser periwinkle pairs well with spring ephemeral bulbs, providing visual interest long after the bulbs have faded. Design schemes benefit from the bright chartreuse foliage of Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ contrasting against dark green hostas or ferns in woodland gardens. It also provides an excellent, low-maintenance border along walkways that receive dappled light.

It can also be used to naturalize large, untended areas where mowing is impractical. The dense foliage quickly forms a cohesive mat that discourages weed seeds from germinating, simplifying future care in these broader landscape applications.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Vinca minor commonly known as vinca or periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5” long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. ‘Honeydew’ features small, glossy, oval-to-elliptic, chartreuse leaves (to 1.5” long) and tubular, phlox-like, lavender-blue flowers (to 1 inch across).

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

The most significant cultural threat to Lesser periwinkle patches is vinca stem canker, a fungal blight that can manifest in overly wet or poorly draining conditions, potentially damaging or killing segments of the planting. While serious insect pests are rare, monitoring sanitation, especially after heavy rain, is prudent. Furthermore, gardeners must be aware that this plant can spread aggressively, meaning control measures may be necessary if it attempts to creep into adjacent lawns or manicured garden borders.

Companion Planting

When choosing companions for Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’, select plants that share similar light and moisture preferences to ensure the health of the surrounding border. Shade-tolerant perennials like Astilbe or Hellebores create beautiful textural contrast with the fine mat of the periwinkle. For low-maintenance spring color, consider planting early bloomers whose foliage vanishes during the summer, allowing the chartreuse leaves of the Lesser periwinkle to take center stage.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of this evergreen perennial is remarkably straightforward due to its trailing habit. The easiest method involves taking stem cuttings, ensuring each segment has a few nodes attached. Plant these cuttings directly into the soil in moist, well-drained conditions during spring or early summer; the nodes will root readily, establishing new plants quickly. Division is also successful in spring, separating clumps that have become too dense or need relocating to fill in bare spots in your groundcover matrix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lesser periwinkle suitable for?

Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Lesser periwinkle grow?

This ground cover typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, spreading to cover an area between 0.5 and 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ need?

This plant is versatile, handling everything from full sun to areas receiving heavy shade, though it prefers full sun to part shade for best performance.

When does Lesser periwinkle bloom?

You can expect the lavender-blue flowers of Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ to appear primarily from May to June.

Conclusion

The combination of low maintenance, evergreen foliage, and resistance to challenging elements like deer and drought secures the place of Lesser periwinkle in many landscapes. Vinca minor ‘Honeydew’ brilliantly lightens shady areas with its chartreuse leaves and reliable spring blooms. Before planting extensively, confirm your local USDA Zone compatibility and prepare the soil for the excellent drainage this vigorous groundcover requires.