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Periwinkle

Vinca Major

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Overview

Periwinkle, or Vinca major, is a fast-spreading evergreen ground cover. It thrives in Zones 7-9, preferring partial to full shade. With its glossy, oval leaves reaching up to 3 inches long, and star-shaped, blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, it adds vibrant color from spring to autumn. Its trailing stems can extend up to 18 inches. Ideal for erosion control, it requires minimal care once established. Keep invasive tendencies in check.

Sun Half, ShadeWater LowZones 4–9Type Ground cover
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — well-drained soils with partial to full shade exposure; where other plants may struggle, image 124

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Low
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Ground cover
Family
Apocynaceae

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Photos (263)

Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — where other plants may struggle; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 109
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — <br><br>Vinca major's glossy; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 97
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Periwinkle, or Vinca major, is a fast-spreading evergreen ground cover; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 57
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Its trailing stems can extend up to 18 inches; although it prefers moist, image 62
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — which measure about 1-2 inches wide and 2-3 inches long; although it prefers moist, image 154
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — around 1-2 inches in diameter; where other plants may struggle, image 100
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — well-drained soils with partial to full shade exposure; where other plants may struggle, image 96
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — with stems stretching up to 18 inches long
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — It thrives in Zones 7-9, preferring partial to full shade; although it prefers moist, image 58
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — ground cover for half or shade; where other plants may struggle
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — which measure about 1-2 inches wide and 2-3 inches long
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — <br><br>For the landscape designer; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 131
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — five-petaled lavender-blue flowers; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 155
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — emphasize its low-maintenance nature
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — infusing the garden with subtle color; although it prefers moist, image 214
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — oval leaves reaching up to 3 inches long; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 171
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — it adds vibrant color from spring to autumn; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 229
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — blue flowers in the garden; although it prefers moist, image 166
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — with stems stretching up to 18 inches long; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 105
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Originating from the Mediterranean region, this trailing vine thrives in U.S; although it prefers moist, image 122
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — ground cover for half or shade
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — where other plants may struggle; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 81
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide; where other plants may struggle, image 60
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — emphasize its low-maintenance nature; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 191
Photographs by 11 contributors

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