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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) — blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide; where other plants may struggle, image 144
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Ideal for erosion control, it requires minimal care once established
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — typically grace the plant in mid-spring and intermittently throughout the summer months; blue-lavender flowers spreading, image 213
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — it adds vibrant color from spring to autumn; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 89
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — it's important to note that Vinca major spreads quickly and can reach an expansive coverage
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — oval leaves reaching up to 3 inches long; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 59
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — blue flowers in the garden
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — around 1-2 inches in diameter
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — where other plants may struggle; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 165
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — with stems stretching up to 18 inches long; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 189
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — emphasize its low-maintenance nature; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 79
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Originating from the Mediterranean region, this trailing vine thrives in U.S
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Its trailing stems can extend up to 18 inches; although it prefers moist, image 202
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — blue flowers in the garden; although it prefers moist
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — Its trailing stems can extend up to 18 inches
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — It thrives in Zones 7-9, preferring partial to full shade; although it prefers moist, image 142
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — ground cover for half or shade; where other plants may struggle, image 224
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — five-petaled lavender-blue flowers; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 239
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — five-petaled lavender-blue flowers
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — with stems stretching up to 18 inches long; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — ground cover with blue blooms; infusing the garden with subtle color, image 223
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — which requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning to control its spread; where other plants may struggle, image 136
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — <br><br>For the landscape designer
Periwinkle (Vinca Major) — <br><br>Vinca major's glossy; blue-lavender flowers spreading 1-2 inches wide, image 181
Photographs by 15 contributors

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