Water
Water Vinca major regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is less actively growing.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Also known as Big Periwinkle · Big-Leaf Periwinkle · Big-Leaved Periwinkle
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Greater periwinkle (Vinca major) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers appearing in spring and summer. It thrives i
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun if kept consistently moist.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in spring and optionally every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Contact can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Vinca major regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is less actively growing.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Prune Vinca major after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or leggy stems. This also helps prevent it from becoming too invasive.
Heavy pruning in early spring can rejuvenate older plants.
Vinca major is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings in spring or early summer. Remove lower leaves and insert the cut end into moist potting mix or water.
Roots will form within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted.
Repot Vinca major when it becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix. Spring is the ideal time for repotting.
Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one to accommodate root growth. Water thoroughly after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major)
Where Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vinca |
| Species | Vinca major |
Similar in genus Vinca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
