Overview
Vinca major is a matforming climber in the genus Vinca, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Vinca major grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover. It is native to Mediterranean region.
About
Vinca major, the greater periwinkle, also sometimes called bigleaf periwinkle, large periwinkle or blue periwinkle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. Growing to 25 cm (10 in) tall and spreading indefinitely, it is an evergreen perennial, frequently used in cultivation as a ground cover.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vinca major
About the genus
Vinca is an Old World genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. The English name periwinkle is shared with the related genus Catharanthus. Some Vinca species are cultivated but have also spread invasively.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vinca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vinca
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vinca
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Vinca major size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- ground cover
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
- Toxicity
- toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vinca major
- Propagation
- cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vinca major?
Vinca major prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Vinca major need?
Vinca major is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Vinca major grow?
Vinca major reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Vinca major hardy in the UK?
Vinca major has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Vinca major?
Cuttings, layering.
Is Vinca major toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Vinca genus
- Vinca difformisintermediate periwinkle
- Vinca difformis subsp. sardoaSardinian intermediate periwinkle
- Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety'Common Periwinkle
- Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'Lesser Periwinkle