How big does Greater periwinkle grow?

About 45 cm × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Greater periwinkle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Greater periwinkle hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Greater Poland Voivodeship, Holy Cross Voivodeship, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Łódź Voivodeship, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Lublin Voivodeship, Lubusz Voivodeship, Masovian Voivodeship, Opole Voivodeship, Podlaskie Voivodeship, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Silesian Voivodeship, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

When does Greater periwinkle flower?

Flowering: April–June, blue, purple.

How much water does Greater periwinkle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Greater periwinkle

Vinca major

Greater periwinkle (Vinca major) is a ground cover plant that reaches 45 cm × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about PLN 9.90.

Illustration of Greater periwinkle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A glossy-leaved evergreen ground cover that quickly covers large areas with long arching stems that root where they touch the soil, and bears large violet-blue flowers in spring. It is at its best under trees and shrubs and on shady banks, since it tolerates deep shade and root competition, and the yellow-variegated forms brighten dark corners. It is taller, looser and more frost-tender than lesser periwinkle, so give it a sheltered spot and expect to cut it back regularly, because it spreads strongly.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness is its weak point in Central Europe: it is reliable down to roughly -15 to -18 °C, and in colder, snowless, windy winters the foliage scorches and the stems may die back, with variegated forms being more tender still. It usually resprouts from the base, but in cold sites and frost pockets lesser periwinkle is the better choice. In mild, sheltered gardens, on the other hand, it spreads too well, with rooting stems running into neighbouring beds and lawn, so cut it back every year and do not dump the trimmings outside the garden. Leaf spot, rust and aphids can occur, and root rot in waterlogged soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, blue, purple

All details

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	15–45 cm × 0.6–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–June, blue, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about PLN 9.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 9.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Evergreen plants Plants for a Mediterranean garden

Guide on the topic

Ground cover plants against weeds: which goes where, and how many you need A ground cover keeps weeds out once it has closed up: until then, usually for two or three summers, it needs mulch and weeding. Under trees and in shade, lesser periwinkle, bigroot geranium, barrenwort and barren strawberry do best; in sunny, dry places stonecrops, thymes and creeping junipers. Most perennial ground covers take 9-18 plants per square metre. The tables work out what a square metre costs at today's shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

Greater periwinkle vs Wintercreeper

Looks good next to it

Tulip tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Sweet chestnut

Castanea sativa

Carolina allspice

Calycanthus floridus