Vinca Major
Contents
Description
Vinca Major, also known as greater periwinkle or bigleaf periwinkle, is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. It is commonly used as a groundcover due to its ability to spread quickly and cover large areas. The plant produces beautiful blue or purple flowers in the spring and summer months, which add a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vinca |
Appearance
Vinca Major has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and grow up to 8 centimeters long. The leaves are arranged in pairs along trailing stems that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The plant produces large flowers that are typically blue or purple, but can also be white or pink. The flowers have five petals and bloom in the spring and summer. The plant produces fruit in the form of a capsule that contains seeds.
Care Guide
Vinca Major is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Vinca Major prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Sunlight: The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade, but prefers partial shade in hot climates.
- Hardiness Zones: Vinca Major is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vinca Major is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-draining.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Leafhoppers: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
Habitat
Vinca Major is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. It can be found growing in woodland areas, along roadsides, and in gardens and landscapes. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Vinca Major tolerate drought?
A: No, Vinca Major prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize Vinca Major?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Vinca Major be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Vinca Major can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s trailing stems.
Q: How do I propagate Vinca Major?
A: Vinca Major can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Vinca Minor
- Catharanthus roseus
- Adenium obesum
- Nerium oleander
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Vinca Major. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f370
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Vinca Major. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16810/Vinca-major/Details
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Vinca Major. Retrieved from https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/vinca-major.html
