Greater Periwinkle

The gardens of the houses we have lived in have often featured the Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major). It is an attractive flower that appears early in the year and hangs on at the end of the season. Another of its strengths is its ability to grow, flower and make an impact in the shade of shrubs and trees. But, it has one drawback - it spreads relatively easily and finds its way to places where its undoubted charms are not welcome.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Greater periwinkle

Now is the time of year when the greater periwinkle, Vinca major, flowers in profusion in the ground cover under the trees and shrubs in our garden. We have a couple of varieties but the one I prefer is the most common, the example in the photograph. At the moment its pale purple flowers are showing like little stars in the shade of its surroundings. Though it is currently at its best the greater periwinkle can flower at any time of year, even duringa mild spell in winter.