Greater Periwinkle
Vinca major
Also listed as Pervinca major, Vinca grandiflora
Also known as Greater Periwinkle [plant], Large Periwinkle, Bigleaf Periwinkle
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous, trailing evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and blue-purple flowers that spreads rapidly to cover large areas. Excellent for slopes and under trees where it tolerates shade and poor soil.
Why grow it
Greater periwinkle establishes quickly in difficult sites where many groundcovers struggle, particularly in dense shade and poor soil. Compared to other evergreen groundcovers like English ivy or creeping myrtle, it offers reliable winter color and minimal maintenance once established. Its tolerance for neglect and competitive vigor make it practical for slope stabilization and erosion control in regions where it is not restricted.
Watch out for
This plant spreads aggressively and can be difficult to contain within garden boundaries. It may shade out nearby plantings if left unmanaged, and removal typically requires sustained effort over multiple seasons to eliminate all root fragments.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous, trailing evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and blue-purple flowers that spreads rapidly to cover large areas. Excellent for slopes and under trees where it tolerates shade and poor soil.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Greater Periwinkle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Greater periwinkle establishes quickly in difficult sites where many groundcovers struggle, particularly in dense shade and poor soil. Compared to other evergreen groundcovers like English ivy or creeping myrtle, it offers reliable winter color and minimal maintenance once established. Its tolerance for neglect and competitive vigor make it practical for slope stabilization and erosion control in regions where it is not restricted.
Watch out for
This plant spreads aggressively and can be difficult to contain within garden boundaries. It may shade out nearby plantings if left unmanaged, and removal typically requires sustained effort over multiple seasons to eliminate all root fragments.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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