Dart's Blue Periwinkle

Dart's Blue Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Dart's Blue') is a vigorous, evergreen groundcover that grows 30cm tall and spreads 1.5m or more by rooting along its stems. Dark green oval leaves carry bright blue-purple, five-petalled flowers, best in sun but produced in shade as well. It is an improved form of the classic Bowles and La Grave periwinkle, with better disease resistance.

Why you'll love it

• Covers large areas. Stems root as they spread, forming wide mats that suppress weeds under shrubs and trees.
• Thrives in deep shade. It grows where lawn and most groundcovers give up, including beneath dense trees.
• Very cold hardy. Frost does not trouble it, so it suits the coldest gardens.
• Tough underfoot. It bounces back after being walked on, and wildlife largely leave it alone.
• An improved selection. It has more disease resistance than the classic Bowles and La Grave vinca.

Where it works best

Under shrubs and trees. Plant 40cm apart beneath established plantings, where the mat will close within a season or two.

Embankments and slopes. Its rooting stems bind the soil, so it is useful on banks that are hard to mow.

Deep shade. Use it in dark corners where little else will grow.

Growing Dart's Blue Periwinkle in Australia

Position and climate. Sun to deep shade. It flowers best in sun but still flowers in shade. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it is very cold hardy.

Soil. Most soils, except very dry ones. Mulch and fertilise at planting time to help it establish.

Water and feed. Mulch and keep it watered until established. After that it copes with dry spells, though it dislikes very dry soil.

Pruning. Chop it back to keep it in check if it starts growing too wide. This plant is vigorous, so keep it out of bushland and creek lines and bin the clippings. All parts are toxic if eaten.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dart's Blue Periwinkle as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to cover a large area. The 200mm pots give a bank or bed an established look in its first year. Plants travel well and settle within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all groundcovers
• Plants for retaining walls and banks
• Plants for full shade
• The best groundcovers for shade

Common questions

Is it invasive?

It is vigorous and roots along its stems, so site it carefully. Keep it away from bushland, bin the clippings and chop it back if it wanders.

Will it flower in deep shade?

Yes, though flowering is best in sun. In deep shade you will still get blooms, but the leaves are the main show.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Periwinkle is toxic if eaten, so it is not suited to areas where pets or small children chew plants.