Common periwinkle, Vinca minor, is a dark green evergreen groundcover that thrives in USDA Zones 4 to 9 which makes it well suited to Pennsylvania gardens. Periwinkle plants will bloom in April with purple, blue or white flowers, depending on the cultivar, and they can sometimes rebloom in the fall. Periwinkle will grow well in full sun, but prefers shade making it the perfect plant to grow under trees and shrubs, or to plant on the shaded side of a building.

Periwinkle spreads throughout Pennsylvania gardens by sending out long trailing shoots that root quickly and easily to form new plants. Because of its spreading growth form, periwinkle is well suited for use as a groundcover to help with erosion control or even in window boxes because of the trailing shape.

When initially planted, the area will need to be mulched and weeded until the plants fill in. After Periwinkle is established though it becomes very low maintenance requiring only occasional trimming of the plants to encourage new growth. This infrequent leaf shearing will also reduce the chance of infection by fungal diseases. An additional benefit of Periwinkle is that it is a deer-resistant plant. You can also add color and interest to your Periwinkle planting by growing spring-flowering bulbs among the vines.

Search the Lawn & Garden Yellow Pages to help locate a Periwinkle source for your Pennsylvania garden.