Vinca major L.

Vinca major

Bigleaf Periwinkle, Blue Periwinkle

Afr

isiZulu

IsiXhosa

BSS

-5

Description

Family:

Apocynaceae

Order:

Gentianales

Description

Commonly known as blue periwinkle, greater periwinkle, or bigleaf periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial creeper distinguished by its vigorous, mat-forming growth and attractive violet-blue flowers. Native to the western Mediterranean, it is now widely distributed in temperate regions around the world.

Plant Details

Height

25-50 cm mats of growth

Thorns

None

Soil

Prefers moist, well drained soil.

fast

Growth Rate

25-50 cm mats of growth

Size

Decades

Lifespan

Flower Colour

Flowering Season

Horticultural Zones

5.5-7.8

pH

Prefers moist, well drained soil.

Soil

Full sun to deep shade

Aspect

Moderate

Frost Tolerance

High, once established

Drought Resistance

BSS

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Distribution

Companion Plants

Caterpillars

Moth: Daphnis nerii

Associations

Descriptions

Invasiveness

Vinca major is considered invasive in many parts of the world, including North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It spreads rapidly by rooting at stem nodes, forming thick mats that crowd out native plants and alter habitats.

Environmental Impact:  Dense growth suppresses biodiversity by excluding native flora and degrading animal habitats, especially in woodlands and riparian zones.

Flowers and fruits

Birds

By Seeds:

Propagates vegetatively—fragmented stems root readily, and water or garden waste can transport viable pieces to new locations.

It is relatively easy to eradicate by simply pulling out all growth when seen. It grows back quickly, so growth needs to be removed monthly until eradicated.

By Cuttings:

Traditional Uses

Plant Details

Height

Description

Thorns

Description

Leaves

Description

Size

Growth Form

Size

Size

Size

Lifespan

Size

Flower Colour

Size

Flowering Season

Size

Horticultural Zones

Size

pH

Size

Soil

Size

Aspect

Size

Frost Tolerance

Size

Drought Resistance

Description

DESCRIPTION

Height

DESCRIPTION

Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Thorns

DESCRIPTION

BSS

Ecoscore

Host plant Nectar Grazing

Link to PlantzAfrica.co.za

View

Distribution

Companion Plants

Description

Caterpillars

Associations

Leaves

Leaves

Flowers and fruits

Leaves

Birds

Leaves

Mammals

Leaves

By Seeds:

Leaves

By Cuttings:

Leaves

Traditional Uses

traditional uses