Periwinkle, Vinca minor, is a spreading vine that makes an attractive, glossy groundcover. As a broadleaf, climbing evergreen, this plant looks lovely climbing the stark bark of a tree or wood fence during the bare winter season. In early spring, purple flowers abound and stand out boldly within its rich foliage. Periwinkle, Vinca minor prefers part shade but can handle full sun in cooler climates. As a proficient climber, a happy plant can become aggressive and may need cutting back to keep it from running away from you. Otherwise, it is a very low maintenance and hardy species.