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 (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) 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.

How much does Greater periwinkle cost?

It sells for roughly €2.90 to €3.90 in local shops, depending on size.

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 €2.90.

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

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 €2.90

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. €2.90 – €3.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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

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