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© Claus Lindskov Møller, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · GBIF
Vinca major
Greater Periwinkle
Western Mediterranean, southern Europe, North Africa
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Overview
Vinca major is a trailing evergreen groundcover with arching stems reaching 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) tall and spreading 2–5 feet (60–150 cm) wide. Stems root at nodes where they contact soil, allowing the plant to expand indefinitely across a site over multiple seasons. Leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long, glossy dark green above with a slightly lighter underside and ciliate margins. Solitary tubular-flared flowers, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, appear in leaf axils from March through May with sporadic repeat bloom into fall; flowers are blue-violet in the species. Plants spread at 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) per season under favorable conditions and can form dense mats that exclude other plants. Vinca major is listed as invasive in California, Oregon, and several other western states; its use near natural areas, riparian corridors, and wildlands is regulated or discouraged in those regions. All plant parts are toxic if ingested.
Native Range
Native to the western Mediterranean region, including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and North Africa. Found in shaded woodland understories, scrubland, and rocky slopes at elevations up to 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover under trees and shrubs where root competition limits other plants. Commonly planted on slopes for erosion control where steep grades limit foot traffic. Not recommended near wildlands, natural areas, or riparian corridors in California, Oregon, and other states where it is listed as invasive. Plants spread to fill a defined area and require containment at boundaries to prevent expansion.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Primary bloom occurs March through May in zones 7–9. Sporadic secondary bloom continues through summer and into fall when temperatures remain below 90°F (32°C). In zones 9–10, bloom may begin as early as February. Individual flowers last 3–5 days; the spring flush extends 6–8 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy dark green above, lighter beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants establish rapidly from divisions or rooted cuttings; space transplants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart for coverage within 1–2 seasons. Water weekly for the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought but lose vigor and flowering frequency in prolonged dry periods. Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage dense growth. Shear plants to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in late winter or early spring to promote fresh growth and prevent woody, open stems. Root weevils may feed on foliage, leaving notched leaf margins; damage is cosmetic. Aerial stems can escape garden boundaries and establish in adjacent natural areas; regular edging or physical barriers reduce spread.Pruning
Shear or mow plants to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to rejuvenate the planting and reduce woodiness. Cut back stems that trail beyond planting boundaries at any time during the growing season. Renovation by cutting all stems to the ground can be done in early spring; new shoots emerge within 3–4 weeks under normal growing conditions.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons