Vinca minor - Lesser Periwinkle, Flower of Death, English Holly, Creeping Myrtle, Creeping Vinca, Common Periwinkle.

Vinca minor is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.

It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drough

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

The plant is sedative and tonic and it contains the alkaloid 'vincamine', which is used by the pharmaceutical industry as a cerebral stimulant and vasodilator.

Since the discovery of vincamine in the leaves, the plant has been used herbally to treat arteriosclerosis and for dementia due to insufficient blood supply to the brain. The leaves are bitter, detergent and stomachic. Taken internally, they are used in the treatment of internal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding and nosebleeds.

When crushed and applied to wounds they have astringent and healing properties. A mouthwash is used to treat gingivitis, sore throats and mouth ulcers.

The leaves are gathered in the spring and dried for later use. The root is antispasmodic and hypotensive and it is also used to lower the blood pressure.

The root is gathered in the autumn and dried for later use.

The fresh flowers are gently purgative, but lose their effect on drying. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves and used in the treatment of haemorrhages.

For more information you can visit the PFAF (plants for a future) website here.

1 Young Plant supplied in 1 L pot