How to Grow and Care for Greater periwinkle

Greater periwinkle, also known as Bigleaf periwinkle, Blue periwinkle, Large periwinkle, Big periwinkle

Greater periwinkle is a robust groundcover known for its adaptability in various conditions, making it easy to care for. It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if adequately watered. A special care point for greater periwinkle includes managing its invasive nature by regularly pruning to prevent it from overrunning other plantings. Ensure well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Adequate spacing during planting will support healthy air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Humans

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Planting and Growing Greater periwinkle

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	8-11
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Greater periwinkle

Greater periwinkle 'Wojo's Jem'

Greater periwinkle 'Wojo's Jem' is a bigleaf periwinkle (Vinca major) cultivar selected for its improved attractive foliage. Unlike its parent plant that features solid green leaves, this cultivar has deep green leaves variegated with irregular creamy markings. Besides its ornamental foliage, it is prized for its purple-blue flowers and mat-forming growth habit.

Periwinkle 'Variegata'

A variant of periwinkle named for its unusual size, periwinkle 'Variegata', or "greater periwinkle," sprouts beautiful blue-white flowers from mid-spring to early autumn. It thrives in full sun and requires very little maintenance. In fact, its ability to proliferate means that it will quickly spread across a garden if not attended to, forming a mass of its own kind.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Greater periwinkle

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More General Info About Greater periwinkle

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Quickly Identify Greater periwinkle

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Greater periwinkle is an evergreen that provides lush ground coverage with its sprawling non-flowering stems, which contrast with the upright nature of its flowering counterparts. The foliage forms a dense mat, and the plant thrives in conditions of part shade to full shade. A key identifying feature is its striking blue-to-violet blossoms, measuring about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across, which adorn the plant mainly in the spring and sporadically until the fall. The flowers’ radial symmetry and five petal-like lobes are distinctive, while the dark green leaves add to its visual appeal.