ExplorePlants

greater periwinkle

Vinca major

Greater periwinkle is a lovely plant with shiny green leaves and pretty blue flowers. It grows close to the ground and can spread quickly, making it a favorite for gardens.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The greater periwinkle has striking, vibrant violet-blue flowers with five pinwheel-like petals. Its glossy, dark green, ovate leaves grow on long, trailing stems. It is visually different from its cousin, lesser periwinkle, by having noticeably larger flowers and foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusVinca
greater periwinkle
flowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badgeeverblooming trait badge
greater periwinkle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans believed periwinkle could ward off evil spirits and bad luck!

Its beautiful flowers look like miniature purple pinwheels scattered on the ground!

Its long, trailing stems can 'walk' across the ground, rooting as they go!

The name 'Vinca' comes from Latin, meaning 'to bind' or 'to wind'!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Ground Cover

Greater periwinkle can root along its creeping stems, allowing it to spread quickly and cover large areas, outcompeting weeds.

Ability

Shade Dweller

Greater periwinkle thrives in dense shade where many plants struggle, helping it survive in dimly lit environments.

Ability

Evergreen Resilience

Greater periwinkle keeps its leaves green all winter, providing continuous ground cover and protecting its soil from erosion.

Measurements & details

Height
15-45 cm
Spread
60-200 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

Feeds on its leaves, especially new growth.

parasitizes

Periwinkle Rust

Puccinia vincae

Causes orange spots and damage on the leaves.

Traits

Also known as

Vinca

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or picking plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is greater periwinkle?

15-45 cm

How wide does greater periwinkle spread?

60-200 cm

How big are the flowers on greater periwinkle?

3-5 cm

When does greater periwinkle bloom?

Spring to fall

Is greater periwinkle edible?

No

Is greater periwinkle toxic?

Mild

What is greater periwinkle's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is greater periwinkle pollinated?

Insect

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