Bigleaf Periwinkle

Plant Type: ground cover
Plant Height: 6-18 inches
Spread: variable
Flower Color: blue, violet, purple
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade

Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major): A Vigorous Ground Cover for Colorful, Low-Maintenance Gardens

Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major) is a fast-growing perennial ground cover, prized for its lush, glossy foliage and vibrant, star-shaped flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, this versatile plant is a favorite in landscaping for its ability to quickly fill in large areas, adding both color and greenery with minimal maintenance. However, it’s important to consider its invasive potential in certain regions, as it can spread aggressively.

Key Features of Bigleaf Periwinkle

1. Vibrant, Star-Shaped Flowers
   Bigleaf Periwinkle produces striking blue, violet, or purple blooms in spring, with occasional flowering throughout the growing season. These vibrant, star-shaped flowers add a pop of color to the garden and provide contrast against the plant’s lush green foliage.

2. Glossy, Year-Round Foliage
   The large, oval-shaped leaves are glossy and evergreen, providing year-round interest. The dense, trailing growth habit creates a thick carpet of foliage that can quickly fill in bare spots and suppress weeds, making it ideal for areas needing ground coverage.

3. Rapid Growth and Spreading Habit
   Bigleaf Periwinkle spreads quickly through trailing stems, allowing it to cover large areas in a short time. This growth habit is especially useful for erosion control on slopes, underplanting trees and shrubs, and for areas with poor soil where other plants may struggle.

Growing and Caring for Bigleaf Periwinkle

• Light Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering in dry periods.
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance, but periodic trimming may be needed to control its spread.

Landscaping Uses

Bigleaf Periwinkle is versatile in landscaping and can be used in several ways:

• Ground Cover: Quickly fills in large areas with dense foliage, ideal for blank spots or low-maintenance gardens.
• Underplanting: Works well under trees and shrubs, thriving in shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
• Erosion Control: Helps stabilize slopes and banks with its extensive root system and sprawling habit.
• Container Gardens: Adds greenery and trailing blooms to container arrangements.

Caution: Potential for Invasiveness

In some areas, Bigleaf Periwinkle is considered invasive and can spread beyond intended planting areas, outcompeting native plants. Gardeners should check local regulations and consider controlling its spread through containment or regular pruning.

Summary

Bigleaf Periwinkle is a popular choice for low-maintenance ground coverage, combining vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and resilience in challenging growing conditions. Its rapid growth, ease of care, and adaptability make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking a solution for large areas, shaded spots, or erosion control. However, responsible planting and maintenance are essential to prevent unwanted spreading.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Bigleaf Periwinkle

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some shade, especially in the hottest months)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth and proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking is required; Bigleaf Periwinkle grows as a low, spreading ground cover

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Bigleaf Periwinkle is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Bigleaf Periwinkle is relatively drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth. This helps avoid excess moisture near the plant’s stem, which could cause rot.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water penetrates deeply into the soil, promoting healthy root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 1 emitter per plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for ground covers like Bigleaf Periwinkle, which need consistent watering. This will allow you to adjust watering frequency and amount based on the plant’s specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: During the hot summer months, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure the plant stays hydrated. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Bigleaf Periwinkle prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t like to sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the base.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and reduce weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.