Vinca Minor 'Atropurpurea' is a hardy evergreen ground cover valued for its deep wine purple blooms and glossy green foliage. It spreads by trailing stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats ideal for erosion control or filling shaded garden spaces.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Spring with occasional summer rebloom
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade; tolerates some sun in cool climates
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; adaptable to various soil types
Watering Needs: Moderate; more frequent watering in sun or dry conditions
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits
Native Status
This cultivar originates from the European species Vinca minor, which is not native to North America but is widely naturalized and used ornamentally.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Occasionally visited by small butterflies such as Spring Azures and skippers early in the season.
Bees
- Early blooming flowers support small native bees and honeybees during early spring foraging.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to encourage quick coverage and full ground mat formation.
Landscape Placement
- Best for shady slopes, under trees, or along pathways where its low profile and evergreen nature provide year round interest and weed suppression.
Companion Plants
- Heuchera villosa (Coral Bells) - Offers colorful foliage and similar shade tolerance to contrast with Vinca’s green leaves.
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Provides upright fronds and copper tinged new growth that emerges with vinca flowers.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Adds spring bloom spikes and attractive mottled foliage under trees or along borders.
- Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon' - A low growing ground cover with silver patterned leaves and deep lavender blooms.
- Hosta 'Halcyon' - Adds broad, textured foliage in cool blues that pair well with purple blooms.