Lesser Periwinkle Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

Names

• Family

  Apocynaceae

• Synonyms

  Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Small Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle, Flower-of-Death

• Common names

  Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common periwinkle contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. In humans, the symptoms of common periwinkle poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, depression of the central nervous system, and, in severe cases, seizures and coma. Consuming any part of the plant, especially in significant quantities, can be dangerous and medical attention should be sought if ingestion occurs.

• To pets

  The toxicity of the common periwinkle to pets, such as dogs and cats, is similar to that in humans. The alkaloids present in the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. If a pet consumes any part of the common periwinkle, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Dark green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

• Spread

  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)

• Plant type

  Creeper

• Hardiness zones

  4-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for gardeners with limited time.
• Drought Tolerant: Can survive with relatively low water intake after it has been established, suitable for xeriscaping.
• Ground Cover: Spreads to cover ground effectively, which can help prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
• Semi-Evergreen: Retains leaves through much of the winter, providing year-round greenery in many climates.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for underplanting beneath trees or in other low-light areas of the garden.
• Decorative Flowers: Produces attractive purple flowers, adding aesthetic value to the garden landscape.
• Rabbit Resistant: Generally not preferred by rabbits, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
• Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings or by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings with little additional cost.
• Tolerates Poor Soil: Adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including poor soils, as long as they are well-drained.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is not favored by deer, protecting it from grazing in areas with deer populations.

Medical Properties

• Alkaloid production: Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' contains alkaloids that may have potential pharmacological effects.
• Cognitive enhancement: Some of its alkaloids, particularly vincamine, have been researched for their potential in improving cerebral blood flow and cognitive function.
• Antimicrobial activity: Extracts from Vinca minor have displayed antimicrobial properties in some studies.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea', commonly known as Lesser Periwinkle, may be used as a stabilizing agent for soil on slopes and embankments to prevent erosion due to its dense mat-forming growth habit.
• The plant serves as an evergreen ornamental ground cover in landscaping for gardens and parks, providing aesthetics throughout the year with its purple flowers and glossy leaves.
• Lesser Periwinkle can be planted in shady areas where other plants might struggle to grow, thanks to its shade tolerance.
• The dense foliage of the Lesser Periwinkle provides a habitat for small garden creatures, such as beneficial insects and amphibians, contributing to local biodiversity.
• The trailing stems of Lesser Periwinkle are sometimes used in floral arrangements as a filler to add greenery and structure to bouquets and wreaths.
• Lesser Periwinkle has been used traditionally in some cultures to create a natural dye for fabric, although it is not its primary use.
• In art, the flowers of Lesser Periwinkle can be pressed and used in crafts to create bookmarks, cards, and other decorative items due to their retained color after drying.
• Due to its fast and dense growth, Lesser Periwinkle can be used to outcompete and suppress the growth of weeds in garden beds.
• The plant can sometimes be used in sensory gardens, as the texture of its leaves and the visual appeal of its flowers can be stimulating and contribute to the sensory experience.
• Lesser Periwinkle may be used as a living mulch, as it can cover the soil and help retain moisture while adding organic matter as its leaves shed and decompose.

Feng Shui

The Lesser Periwinkle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Lesser Periwinkle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Perseverance: Commonly known as Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' is a hardy groundcover that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing one's ability to persist through challenges.
• Everlasting Love: With its evergreen foliage and recurrent blooms, Lesser Periwinkle is often associated with enduring affection and love that lasts all year round.
• Memories: In some traditions, Lesser Periwinkle represents fond memories and is sometimes planted in remembrance of loved ones.
• Friendship: The circular nature of its growth and the way it covers the ground can represent the encompassing and supportive nature of friendship.
• Death: In some European cultures, Lesser Periwinkle was often laid on the graves of children, symbolizing an untimely death and the hope for eternal life.