Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major 'Wojo's Gem') is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial that brings reliable color to shaded corners where many plants struggle. Its dark green, lance-shaped leaves create a lush carpet, topped in spring with pale violet-blue, phlox-like flowers that rise on delicate upright stalks. Hardy in zones 7 through 9, this trailing groundcover grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 12 to 24 inches wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerating even heavy shade. It's equally at home cascading from containers, anchoring a difficult slope, or carpeting bare ground, and it brushes off drought and deer with equal aplomb.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-9
12in H x 24in W
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Moderate
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This plant's trailing stems and dense foliage make it a workhorse for problem areas, particularly shaded spots where lawn refuses to grow. The pale violet-blue flowers bloom from spring through early summer, rising on upright stalks in a charming contrast to the prostrate habit. Evergreen and deer-resistant, it asks very little once established, tolerating poor, dry soil with grace while maintaining its dark green color year-round in zones 7 through 9.
Greater Periwinkle shines as a groundcover for slopes, banks, and shaded areas where it prevents erosion while creating a continuous carpet of foliage. In regions north of zone 7, gardeners often grow it in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed pots where its trailing stems can spill and soften hard edges. It naturalizes well in woodland settings and thrives in the difficult transition zones between trees and open garden, particularly where soil stays dry and shade is deep.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant starter plants into the garden in spring or fall, spacing them 8 inches apart for quick cover or 12 to 18 inches apart for larger areas. Harden off container-grown plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Plant into well-drained, average soil; amend with organic matter if the soil is very lean or compacted.
Trim back leggy or overgrown stems in late winter or early spring to encourage dense, compact growth. In warmer zones where the plant spreads aggressively, regular cutting back or removal of stems that wander into adjacent plantings will help keep it within bounds. Light deadheading after the main spring bloom can encourage additional flowering through early summer, though this is not essential.
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