Periwinkle

Vinca major L.

VINK-ah  MAY-jer

Apocynaceae

Explanation of name: Vinca means winding around. Major is self-explanatory.

Natural range: Europe and western Asia

Recognition: Sometimes confused with Rosy-Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) due to the shared name “Periwinkle.” The plants are different. Vinca major is an evergreen, sprawling groundcover with opposite, ovate-lanceolate leaves and milky sap. (Catharanthus is upright with clear sap.)  Vinca has deep purple-blue flowers having angular petals (vs. flowers rosy to white, with smoothly curved petals in Catharanthus). Vinca is at home in climates cooler than South Florida and has minimal landscaping use south of central Florida. Catharanthus is tropical. Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is variegated.

Vinca minor is a similar hardy, smaller species (leaves <2” long, flowers < 1” across) resembling Trachelospermum asiaticum when not in flower.

Landscape uses: Fast-growing groundcover, especially in shaded areas. According to CHR, may not out-compete weeds. Leaves scorch in hot dry sites. Toxic. South Florida is too far south for this species.

Note: Much data for this species comes from CHR and The University of North Carolina plant fact sheet: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/groundcover/vinca_major.html