Species

Vinca majorCommon Periwinkle Vinca

1 other cultivar

‘Traditional’Greater Periwinkle

groundcover

Greater Periwinkle

Vinca major 'Variegata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Vinca major is an evergreen, trailing subshrub that forms a dense groundcover, spreading via long sterile runners that root at the nodes. Solitary, violet-blue, five-lobed flowers emerge from the leaf axils from spring through fall, primarily in mid-spring.

'Variegata' is distinguished by glossy, dark green leaves with uneven, creamy-white or pale yellow borders. This cultivar exhibits slightly lower vigor than the solid green species due to reduced chlorophyll, making it slightly less aggressive.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking variegated foliage with creamy borders and violet-blue flowers that persist from spring to fall.

Offers high drought tolerance once established and effectively controls erosion on shaded slopes.

Provides dense groundcover that suppresses weeds, though it must be managed to prevent escaping into native habitats.

SpeciesVinca majorCommon Periwinkle Vinca

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region, southern France, Asia Minor, and northern Africa

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in average, moist, well-drained soil in a location receiving partial to deep shade, though full sun and full shade are tolerated.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Apply a light layer of compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if planting in poor mineral soils.
Monitor the spreading runners and trim them back annually to prevent the plant from escaping its intended garden boundaries.

Pro Tip

Trim back long runners in early spring before new growth flushes, but avoid cutting aggressively into old, leafless woody stems where regeneration is poor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do prune back frost-damaged stems in early spring to encourage fresh, cleanly variegated foliage.
Do wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid potential skin irritation from the milky sap.
Do select non-invasive native alternatives like wild ginger or Allegheny spurge in areas adjacent to wild riparian zones.

Don't

Don't shear the plant aggressively into old, bare woody stems, as it fails to regenerate well from old wood.
Don't overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where stagnant moisture triggers root and stem rot.
Don't dump garden waste containing stem fragments, as even small pieces root rapidly and escape into local waterways.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverErosion ControlHanging BasketsUnderstory Planting

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Polystichum munitum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greater Periwinkle questions

What zones can Greater Periwinkle grow in?

Greater Periwinkle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Greater Periwinkle deer resistant?

Yes — Greater Periwinkle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Greater Periwinkle bloom?

Greater Periwinkle typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Greater Periwinkle need full sun?

Greater Periwinkle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Greater Periwinkle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Greater Periwinkle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.