As a wonderfully beautiful flowering ground cover, large-leaved periwinkle (Vinca major) is a valuable bedding plant for many gardeners. Thanks to the predominantly good winter hardiness, the varieties of the evergreen species can usually be settled in the garden for several years without any problems.
The large or large-leaved periwinkle differs from the small periwinkle (Vinca minor) on the one hand by its growth height. While Vinca minor only grows up to 15 cm high, Vinca major can reach heights of growth of up to 45 cm. In addition, the leaves of the large-leaved periwinkle are also larger, as it is named.
Overall, the creeping plant in the garden achieves a fuller carpet of leaves with more volume. In spring, this is peppered with magical blue-violet wheel flowers. They turn the periwinkle into a decorative flowering plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Good care and the right choice of location are important to ensure that the flowers remain in bloom even after several years.
Large-leaved periwinkle in the garden
In numerous forest and natural gardens, large-leaved periwinkle sprouts luxuriantly as an ornamental groundcover. The shoots of the plant, which initially grow upright and later lay down, entwine themselves more than artistically in the bed with their flowers. The leaves of the periwinkle are - as the name suggests - evergreen. So you don't have to worry about bare beds even in winter.
The blooming period of Vinca major extends over the entire spring. With good care in autumn sometimes even a second flowering occurs. Since the subshrub primarily thrives in damp forest hedges and along streams in the wild, decorative riparian cultures on the garden pond are also conceivable in addition to bed plantings. And even cultures in flower boxes and hanging baskets work very well with the large-leaved periwinkle.
» By the way: Establishing large-leaved evergreens in the garden also has an ecological aspect. Because the beautiful ground cover has become quite rare in nature. This is mainly due to the draining of wetlands where Vinca major was once native. Anyone who offers the beautiful flowering plant a home in their own garden,does something for the protection of species at the same time.
| Large-leaved periwinkle (Vinca major) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | curved, prostrate, stoloniferous |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 25 - 60 cm |
| Usage: | Tree, wood edge, groundcover |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | moderately moist, well-drained, humic, sandy-loamy |
Large-leaved periwinkle - location and planting
The natural range of Vinca Major is in the Mediterranean and in the Near East. With an excellent winter hardiness down to -29 °C, the exotic little plant also withstands Central European winters without any problems. There are some varieties that deviate somewhat from the standard of the evergreen species with only -18 °C winter hardiness or less. But here, too, perennial crops are usually possible with the help of good winter protection.
Soil and light conditions are much more important than cool site temperatures for large-leaved periwinkle. Half-shady to shady locations and freshly moist soil are preferred. In indoor culture, a somewhat shady location is even advantageous, since Vinca major has a lower water requirement here. The site substrate is ideally loamy to clayey and has a good gravel or sand content. The optimum soil pH values are between 6.5 and 7.5 points in the acidic to slightly alkaline range.
» Important: Despite its beautiful blue-purple flowers, greater periwinkle is extremely poisonous. This is also indicated by the fact that the plant belongs to the dogbane family. Therefore, only plant Vinca major in locations that are protected from access by children or pets. Gloves should also be worn when planting or caring for the plant.
Planting instructions - step by step
1. Step: The right Pplanting date for large-leaved periwinkle is in autumn. Since the soil for planting should be frost-free, it is advisable to apply it in September or October. The advantage of autumn planting is that Vinca major has enough time over the winter to establish itself at the site. This guarantees lush growth with a particularly large number of flowers in the following year.
2. Step: Before planting, put the root ball of the shrub in a bucket full of water. While the plant ball well with watersoaked, you can prepare the floor. To do this, thoroughly loosen the site soil and remove all weed residue and soil obstacles. For basic fertilization, mix some compost or horn shavings under the substrate. An additional gravel drainage ensures good water drainage.
3. Step: The planting hole for Vinca major should be about twice the diameter of the root ball. When planting in tubs, choose a container of appropriate dimensions and keep a 2 cm high pouring rim free. Outdoors, you should plant a maximum of 5 to 7 plants per square meter so that the large periwinkle has enough space. Finally Vinca major is watered well.
Watering and fertilizing large-leaved periwinkle
Natural rainfall is usually sufficient to irrigate periwinkle. Only in summer does it have to be watered manually if the drought persists. Water Vinca major here whenever the soil seems too dry. It is poured with lime-free water.
In the case of well pre-fertilized large-leaved periwinkle, fertilization is only carried out in the second year after planting. From then on, fertilize every two weeks during the growing season and use either liquid fertilizer or a natural organic fertilizer. Nettle manure is best suited here, as it easily penetrates even heavily compacted ground cover branches.
» Tip: Add some finely ground rock flour to the liquid manure.
Pruning and propagating large-leaved periwinkle
With good care, large-leaved periwinkle spreads relatively quickly as a ground cover. For this reason alone, regular trimming and pruning are appropriate. In addition, with a targeted pruning for rejuvenation, the half-shrub's willingness to flower can be better maintained.
The pruning is done on Vinca major in March before budding. Cut out primarily diseased and dead shoots. Some gardeners simply mow periwinkles with a lawnmower for an extensive pruning. This is basically possible and is also tolerated by the pruning-tolerant plant.
When using a lawn mower, however, remember to set the cutting height over branches that are close to the ground. This protects dormant buds of spring shoots from the blade. The rule of thumb is: There should always be at least one dormant eye on the shoot.
» Speaking of buds: Watch the periwinkle for shoots full of buds and leave more of them standing. This can lead to a more lush bloomcontribute.
Propagation by cuttings or root division
You can take cuttings to propagate Vinca major all year round.
- It is, of course, practical to select the cuttings straight away from the annual cuttings. Simply choose a he althy, vigorously growing shoot with at least two pairs of leaves and shorten it to a length of 10 to 15 cm.
- The cutting is then placed in a pot with sandy-peaty potting soil and regularly moistened with a spray bottle. The cuttings should be rooted within a few weeks in a warm, semi-shaded place.
- Propagating the large periwinkle is even easier by dividing the roots. To do this, dig up the plant in spring and divide the root ball into two large parts with a sharp knife. The sections are a wonderful way to rejuvenate the plant and can be planted directly back outdoors after division.
Overwintering large-leaved periwinkle
As already mentioned, Vinca major is actually very hardy, but in some varieties the generally good winter hardiness of the evergreen species is significantly reduced. In addition to varieties such as "Hirsuta", this also applies in particular to varieties with variegated leaves. They freeze back severely at high sub-zero temperatures, which can result in the death of the plant.
In such cases, it is advisable to keep the varieties in a bucket and to place them in a sheltered place (e.g. conservatory) in winter. The planter is then additionally wrapped with coconut mats and placed on wooden blocks to avoid ground frost from below.
Both pot and outdoor plantings of frost-sensitive evergreen varieties also get good soil protection in winter. Covers made of leaves, straw or twigs protect the plant from ground frost and an excess of meltwater.
Big-leaved periwinkle - interesting varieties
Depending on the variety, large periwinkle varieties are more or less suitable for outdoor cultivation. There are also some differences in terms of appearance. For that reason, here are some details on the most important Vinca major strains:
| Types | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Large-leaved periwinkle 'Alba' Vinca major 'Alba' More pictures & data | The Vinca major 'Alba' variety has particularly large, white flowers. The bright white flowers are mainly found in darker onesGreen plantings are shown to their best advantage. The variety has a slightly shorter flowering period, which lasts from April to May. It has good winter hardiness and wind tolerance. |
| Bigleaved periwinkle 'Hirsuta' Vinca major 'Hirsuta' More pictures & data | At a height of just 15 cm, 'Hirsuta' is slightly smaller than the conventional large periwinkle. The flowers shimmer in a strong blue and are also slightly smaller than usual. The Winter hardiness of 'Hirsuta', on the other hand, is a little better than that of the main species, which is why it is wonderfully suited for outdoor cultivation. However, Vinca major 'Hirsuta' should not be confused with the subspecies Vinca major subsp. hirsuta. It only has a winter hardiness of -18 °C and is therefore rather unsuitable for very frosty winter locations. |
| Big leaved periwinkle 'Reticulata' Vinca major 'Reticulata' More pictures & data | Variety with strong violet flowers and yellow-green variegated leaves. Large evergreen 'Reticulata' reaches heights of growth of up to 30 cm. The cultivar is hardy with -17 to -12 °C not particularly high. Instead of cultivating outdoors, growing in pots on the balcony or veranda, or growing indoors, is advisable. Best in small tufts of 5 to 10 plants per square meter. |
| Large-leaved periwinkle 'Variegata' Vinca major 'Variegata' More pictures & data | Another variety with variegated leaves, but in green and white. Flowering time extends from April to May. Extremely sensitive to frost and therefore better kept in a container or as a houseplant. |