Blue Buttons Vinca major

Big Leaf Periwinkle Is an evergreen ground cover from Asia Minor which forms a dense mat. Prefers part shade to shade in fertile well-drained soil. The blue to violet flowers appear in spring and may bloom intermittently through autumn. It can be grown in containers outside of zone 7. Taller growing than V. minor; utilized more for naturalized aspect.

Its non-flowering stems grow along the ground, with the flowering stems stand upright.  

When attempting to cover a smaller area, planting 8" apart will give you a quick cover.  For larger areas, place your plants 12"-18" apart. Great plant for beds where bulbs are located.  Its dense foliage will also help to keep weeds under control.  Want to enjoy its showy flowers without it becoming invasive in your garden, consider it as an annual container plant.  Its trailing habit also makes a great selection for a hanging basket or window boxes.  

This plant is considered invasive in several states surrounding NC and California.  It spreads as its nodes come in contact with the surrounding soil, forming roots.  A cutting from a stem placed in another suitable location can easily root, thereby starting an additional stand of periwinkle.  When grown along streamsides, moving waters can also dislodge pieces of the stems, wash them downstream, where they can form additional colonies.

Quick ID

• Stems vine-like, unbranched
• Leaves opposite, ovate, ciliate
• Flowers rotate

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This evergreen can spread aggressively, becoming invasive as it spread to adjacent beds and lawns, particularly in southern locations.  In locations where its aggressive growth is unchecked, it can crowd out native plants and degrade animal habitats.  Insects that may affect this plant include nematodes and aphids.  Disease issues include root rot, leaf spot and blight.  It is a known host to a bacterium that may cause Pierce's disease, a deadly disease for grapevines.