Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Why it’s in the garden

Vinca alkaloids such as vincristine are used as chemotherapies for a number of cancers.

Periwinkle Blue flowers
Chemical Structure: Vincristine
Chemical Structure: Vincristine

Description

Vinca is a low growing evergreen shrub. Tendrils will hang over the edges of the beds, softening the edges. It has small blue/purple flowers from April to may.

 

Care and Maintenance

Very low maintenance but can be cut back if it gets too vigorous. Best done in spring.