This vigorous sub-shrub has slender arching stems that form a prostrate habit or it can climb to 3m (10ft) with a twinning habit. It has dark green ovate leaves and the blue-violet trumpet-like flowers appear singularly from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10

Vinca major is naturally found in Europe growing in the understory of woodlands. It prefers a well drained fertile moist light soil in an open sunny to semi-shaded position and is frost and drought resistant.

The Greater Periwinkle is grown for its spreading or climbing habit and its flowers. It is grown as a ground cover in small or cottage gardens or used as a spill-over in rockeries or above retaining walls. It is also planted in patio pots and planter boxes or mass planted on embankments. It requires little maintenance and is fast growing, establishing in one season. ID 694

Vinca(VING-ka) major(MAY-yor)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)