Vinca major (Big Periwinkle)

Vinca major (Big Periwinkle) is an evergreen, mat-forming, subshrub or perennial with long prostrate rooting stems covered with glossy ovate leaves. Borne on arching shoots over a long season, large violet-blue flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), appear in mid-spring and continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Excellent for suppressing weeds, Big Periwinkle is vigorous and makes a lovely groundcover for large expanses of ground. Adds a finish touch to hanging baskets and containers where its lustrous foliage happily dangles on stringy stems.

• Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm). When grown in the ground, this periwinkle will sprout upward, tumble over, and grow in a lush tangle. Plant 8 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Plant 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) to cover large areas.
• Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. Dry soil and drought tolerant.
• Excellent choice as a groundcover, for banks and slopes or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs and an excellent selection for hanging baskets, window boxes and containers.
• A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer resistant. 
• No serious pest or disease issues. May be subject to aphids or rust.
• Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
• Vinca major species is native to Europe and Asia.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.