Common Names: Vinca Major

Family Name: Apocynaceae

Attributes: Vinca Major -An evergreen trailing vine with dark green 1" x 1 1/2" - 3" leaves. Blue-lilac 1"-2" flowers in early spring. Spreads quickly once established. Fairly drought resistant, a fast grower with regular watering. Prefers shade and well-drained, fertile, loamy soil. Will also grow well in full sun in northern zones (and in most southern zones with ample water). Tolerant of infrequent foot traffic. Mature prostrate height 8" - 18", spacing 4" - 8".

General Information: Vinca Major-Vinca is a low-maintenance delight - great for controlling soil erosion on shady slopes, for covering the soil under trees and shrubs and for window boxes. Vinca (from Latin vincire "to bind, fetter") is a genus of five species of in the family Apocynaceae, native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. The common name, shared with the related genus Catharanthus, is Periwinkle.They are subshrubs or herbaceous, and have slender trailing stems 1-2 m long but not growing more than 20-70 cm above ground; the stems frequently take root where they touch the ground, enabling the plant to spread widely. The leaves are opposite, simple broad lanceolate to ovate, 1-9 cm long and 0.5-6 cm broad. The flowers, produced through most of the year, are salverform (like those of Phlox), simple, 2.5-7 cm broad, with five petals joined together at the base to form a tube. The fruit consists of a group of divergent follicles; a dry fruit which is dehiscent along one rupture site in order to release seeds.

Plant Care: Average water needs, do not over water

Size: Up to 1.5 ft tall and 8 ft wide

Bloom time: Spring to frost

Long Blooming: Yes

Flower Color: Purple

Exposure: Full sun to full shade

Soil Condition: Poor to rich, well drained soil

Hardiness Zones: USDA ZONES 6 to 10

Deer Resistant: Yes

Butterfly Attractant:Yes

Heat & Humidity Tolerant: Yes

Drought Tolerant: Yes

Good as cut flower: No