Vinca major (Big Periwinkle)
Periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle, Bigleaf Periwinkle, Vinca major
Vinca major (Big Periwinkle) is an evergreen, mat-forming, subshrub or perennial with long prostrate rooting stems covered with glossy ovate leaves. Borne on arching shoots over a long season, large violet-blue flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), appear in mid-spring and continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Excellent for suppressing weeds, Big Periwinkle is vigorous and makes a lovely groundcover for large expanses of ground. Adds a finish touch to hanging baskets and containers where its lustrous foliage happily dangles on stringy stems.
- Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm). When grown in the ground, this periwinkle will sprout upward, tumble over, and grow in a lush tangle. Plant 8 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Plant 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) to cover large areas.
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. Dry soil and drought tolerant.
- Excellent choice as a groundcover, for banks and slopes or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs and an excellent selection for hanging baskets, window boxes and containers.
- A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer resistant.
- No serious pest or disease issues. May be subject to aphids or rust.
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
- Vinca major species is native to Europe and Asia.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Periwinkle: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Unleash the power of periwinkle in your garden with these easy-growing tips!Read More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Vinca - Periwinkle |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Shutterstock, Forest and Kim Starr, 阿橋 HQ, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Vinca - Periwinkle |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |