Lesser Periwinkle Blue – Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold' | ↕10-15 cm | Ø9 cm

Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold'

Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold' is a striking cultivar of the common periwinkle (Vinca minor), with a beautiful color contrast of blue flowers and golden yellow leaves. It is an excellent choice for gardens where you want to add both a lovely ground cover and a touch of color.

Important features

• Leaves: What makes this cultivar unique is the bright yellow leaf with a golden hue, sometimes showing a bit of green. The leaves are fine in texture and form a compact, dense carpet. This gives a lively and fresh appearance, especially in spring and summer.

• Flowers: Typical of Vinca minor, with bright, vibrant blue-violet star-shaped flowers. They bloom in early spring, from March to May, depending on the climate. The flowers contrast beautifully with the yellow leaves.

• Growth habit: Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold' grows creeping and spreads quickly. The plant reaches about 15-20 cm in height and can spread in width to 50 cm or more. Ideal as a ground cover or to grow under shrubs and trees.

• Use: Perfect for shady or partially sunny spots. Suitable for covering bare ground, underplanting larger plants or trees, along borders, and in rock gardens. An attractive color accent throughout the year.

• Location: Best growth in shade or partial shade. In full sun, the leaves may fade and be less intensely yellow, and flowering may decrease.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerant of various soil types as long as drainage is good. Poor drainage can be improved with sand or compost.

• Water: Moderate water needs. Keep the soil moist but not wet. It can tolerate drought reasonably well, but it is advisable to provide extra water during prolonged dry spells.

• Nutrients: Requires little fertilization. An annual application of compost or organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilization can reduce flowering.

• Pruning: Grows quickly, so regular pruning is recommended to keep the plant compact and prevent excessive spreading. Remove dead flowers after blooming to keep the plant healthy.

• Hardiness: In mild climates, the plant often remains green, but in colder climates, the leaves may wilt. Generally hardy, although the golden leaf color may fade in winter.

Summary

Vinca minor 'Blue and Gold' is a colorful and low-maintenance ground cover that stands out with its blue flowers and golden, yellow-green leaves. It is perfect for shady or partially sunny spots, where it provides a fresh appearance and beautiful color contrast. With moderate care, such as proper watering and occasional pruning, this plant thrives and beautifies your garden for a long time. An excellent choice for ground cover, underplanting, or as a colorful border plant.

Care Table