Vinca major
greater periwinkle
a vigorous evergreen sub-shrub forming a clump of erect stems bearing glossy ovate leaves and solitary violet-blue flowers 4cm wide in the leaf axils, with long rooting sterile stems making effective ground cover
Other common names
band plantcreeping myrtle
see morecut-finger
flower of death
grave myrtle
ground myrtle
large periwinkle
quater
sorcerer's violet
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | |||
| Autumn | Blue | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Vinca can be evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, paired leaves and solitary, 5-lobed, salver-shaped flowers in the leaf axils
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediteranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. Has potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust
Get involved
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