Periwinkle Vines

The Life of a Greater Periwinkle

Vinca major, better known as Greater Periwinkle, is mostly found in Europe and Western Asia. But you can find it here in temperate areas in the United States. Greater Periwinkle is an aggressive and invasive trailing vine. They can be found in meadows, but it is partial to moist undergrowth and woodlands. It can also be spotted along the banks of rivers where the altitude is 0-300 meters above the sea. It loves full sun and can flourish in deep shade as well.

Interesting Facts

It is sometimes used for ornamental purposes in gardens; it's also used for the controlling off erosion. Greater Periwinkle is also known for being poisonous, but it does contain compounds within it to battle cancer. Visually it is recognized by its long creeping glossy leaved vines and beautiful blue or purple flowers. Greater periwinkles can spread along grass beds indefinitely with a density of 2 - 5 meters across; it can grow as tall as 25 - 70 cm in height. The flowering period is from spring thru autumn; which makes it an excellent addition to any garden because of its extended visibility. It blooms repeatedly, so getting a chance to view this beautiful species will often be during the year.

Greater Periwinkle is excellent for curb appeal in spring or cold seasons. It is also famous because it is easy to plant and care for. The only requirements needed for Greater Periwinkle is moist. It can flourish in pretty much any environment that has sunshine available or even shade. It can be spotted mostly in the South and Southwestern region of the U.S. However; it has been located in the different areas such as Michigan and Minnesota. It will undoubtedly be the topic of conversation during any bar-b-que or backyard outing. 

Vinca Minor - Lesser Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle

Vinca Minor is a dense groundcover that produces a lovely blue flower in the Spring and Summer. Its evergreen leaves are a deep, vibrant green color. It grows in mats about 3 to 6 inches high.

A Super easy plant to grow and thrive and free from most natural diseases or pests. It's not too picky about the soil it's in, but will do best with well-drained, moist soil. Its ease of cultivation and tendency to spread make it popular as a low-maintenance groundcover. Just remember that it's also difficult to get rid of. It will usually require cutting and application of chemicals to its roots to stop it from coming back.

Vinca Minor is also known as Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Myrtle and Creeping Myrtle. It was given the Latin name of Vinca, meaning to wind around, because its stems were used in wreath making. Minor is about its leaves, which are smaller than that of its cousin, Vinca Major.
The vinca minor is native to southern and central Europe. Its original range extends from the Netherlands in the north, to Portugal in the south, and east to Turkey. Today, it is cultivated in many parts of the world. In the US, it is classified as being hardy in zones 3 through 8, and sometimes even further north.

It also has medicinal uses. It's found medicinally to be effective in the treatment of cancer and poor blood flow.

If you're looking for a groundcover that is easy to plant and care for, you should consider Vinca Minor. You will enjoy its delicate, blue flowers in Spring and Summer, and its dense green foliage year round. Just be sure that you make plans to keep it from spreading too far.