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Vinca minor atropurpurea 'Red Periwinkle' (4 Inch) is a distinctive and attractive ground cover plant known for its unique reddish-purple flowers and evergreen foliage. It adds vibrant color and texture to garden spaces while providing excellent ground coverage.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 4-6 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots, then reduce watering as needed.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 4-9.
- Bloom Time: Blooms from early spring to early summer, producing distinctive reddish-purple flowers that stand out against the green foliage.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed. Trim back as necessary to control spread and maintain appearance. Remove any dead or damaged growth to encourage healthy new growth.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, shaded areas, and as a ground cover in both sunny and partially shaded locations. Suitable for erosion control on slopes.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good coverage.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fun Fact: Vinca minor atropurpurea 'Red Periwinkle' is notable for its rare reddish-purple flowers, which provide a striking contrast to its glossy evergreen leaves. This variety is less common than the typical blue or white periwinkles, making it a unique and eye-catching choice for ground cover. Its spreading habit and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to garden beds and shaded areas.