Vinca major

RHS Plant Profile
greater periwinkle

Other common names

band plant, creeping myrtle, cut-finger, flower of death, grave myrtle, ground myrtle, large periwinkle, quater, sorcerer's violet

Herbaceous Perennial Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Please see cultivation notes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust