Bigleaf Periwinkle

Vinca major

Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family

▲▼  flowers

▲▼ variegated foliage

▲ green foliage  (variegated plants often revert to all-green with time, and plants from seed are also usually all-green)

Vinca major: Bigleaf Periwinkle

Location near campus:  various - often included in flower planters

·         semi-woody, non-climbing vine/spreading groundcover with oval, opposite, entire-margined, evergreen leaves about 1-1.5" wide and 2-3" long

·         common cultivar has variegated leaves with white leaf margins

·         plant height is 12-18"

·         has bright blue axillary flowers in early spring

·         marginally hardy here (Zone 6-9)

·         prefers full shade, but tolerates some sun, better than Vinca minor

·         needs moist, well-drained soil and prefers high organic matter levels for best growth

·         fast rate of growth

·         trim back in winter; faster growing than Vinca minor