It depends on the type you choose, and the plant tags are a helpful guide.

• Annual bedding vinca (often listed as “live annual plant” or “full sun to partial shade”) generally blooms best with plenty of light—aim for several hours of sun. In very hot areas, a little afternoon shade can help reduce stress.
• Vinca minor/major groundcovers (often labeled “evergreen groundcover” or “shade-tolerant perennial”) typically prefer partial shade and are popular for shaded beds and under trees.

Placement, climate, and container vs. in-ground planting can change needs, so adjust light and watering based on how your plant responds.

That nickname comes from older traditions, not how most gardeners use it today. Periwinkle (vinca) has long been planted in historic cemeteries and memorial gardens because it’s evergreen, durable, and low-maintenance, which helped keep those spaces neat year-round. Over time, that association led to the somber nickname in some regions.

In modern landscapes, vinca is widely grown for its reliable color and easy care in sun or shade, depending on the type. If you like the look and it fits your light conditions, it can be a practical, decorative choice for beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

Let your light and heat levels lead the decision.

• Sunny, hot, or drier spots: Many bedding vincas listed as “full sun to partial shade” handle bright light and warm weather well once established.
• Shadier beds: If your area gets little direct sun and stays evenly moist, shade annuals such as impatiens are commonly chosen for steady color.

You can also mix and match in containers to test each plant in your conditions. Check the plant pages for light tags and care notes, and start with small groupings to see what performs best in your specific microclimate.

Different vincas grow differently, so spacing and placement matter.

• Annual bedding vinca (Madagascar periwinkle) grows in tidy mounds and doesn’t spread by runners. It’s great for defined flowerbeds, borders, pots, and hanging baskets.
• Vinca minor or major (evergreen groundcovers) naturally spread over time by trailing stems, making them useful for covering slopes or shaded areas. They can fill in spaces gradually and may need occasional trimming to keep edges neat.

If you want controlled edges, start with smaller plantings, use edging, and prune as needed. Growth rates vary by climate, watering, and maintenance.

Yes—many gardeners enjoy vinca in hanging baskets for long-season color.

• Light: Place baskets where they get the light noted on the tag (many annual vincas prefer full sun to partial shade).
• Water: Containers dry faster than garden beds. Water when the top inch feels dry, and ensure drainage so roots aren’t sitting in water.
• Care: Rotate baskets for even growth, remove spent blooms or leggy tips to keep plants tidy, and feed occasionally as directed on your plant food.

Adjust frequency based on weather and basket size—hot, windy days can mean more frequent checks.