Greater periwinkle and Wintercreeper are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Vinca major 45 cm × 1.5 m after 10 years
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…
Euonymus fortunei 80 cm × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen, ground-covering small shrub that forms a dense carpet in sun or shade, and the variegated forms keep their colour through winter. Next…
Wintercreeper is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -18 °C for Greater periwinkle.
Wintercreeper needs less care than Greater periwinkle.
Greater periwinkle is cheaper: about €3.40 at the size usually planted, against about €4.90 for Wintercreeper.
|
Feature
|
Greater periwinkle
|
Wintercreeper
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 45 cm × 1.5 m | 80 cm × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–45 cm × 0.6–2.5 m | 0.6–6 m × 1.5–2.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–June, blue, purple | June–July, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 50 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €3.40 | approx. €4.90 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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