Greater Periwinkle

Greater Periwinkle
This genus of seven species of low, evergreen, subshrubs and herbaceous perennials ranges throughout Europe, N Africa, and C Asia. Vinca major and V. minor (lesser periwinkle), and their many cultivars, are excellent for ground cover, providing glossy, often variegated leaves and large colorful flowers. They thrive in shade but flower more freely in a sunny position. Periwinkles have been used medicinally, and as magical herbs, since at least Classical times. One medieval spell recommends periwinkle mashed with earthworms and Hens and Chicks (Sempervirens tectorum) as a love potion for married couples. Culpeper recommended a periwinkle conserve to prevent nightmares; more realistically, both he and William Coles (Adam in Eden, 1657) regarded periwinkle as a useful anti-inflammatory and styptic. Both species are a source of the alkaloid vincamine, used by the pharmaceutical industry as a cerebral stimulant and vasodilator. They do not contain the anti-cancer alkaloids found in the related Catharanthus rosea (See, Madagascar Periwinkle). Vinca major also contains reserpine, as found in Rauvolfia serpentina (See, Serpentwood), which lowers high blood pressure. Vinca is from pervinca, the Latin for "periwinkle", derived from vincire, "to bind", because the long, trailing shoots were used to make wreaths.

Arching to prostrate or trailing, evergreen subshrub with stems rooting at the tips and ovate, pointed, glossy leaves, to 9cm (3½in) long. Blue, propeller-shaped flowers, 4cm (1½in) across, appear in the axils of short, erect, flowering stems in spring.

Common Name:

Greater Periwinkle

Botanical Name:

Vinca Major

Genus:

Vinca

Family:

Apocynaceae

Native Location:

W. Meditteranean

Cultivation:

Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Invasive. Cut back plants in autumn or winter to control spread. Remove excess shoots in summer to restrict spread before rooting at nodes takes place. Leaves may be damaged by rust.

Propagation:

By division from autumn to spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Harvest:

Plants are cut when flowering and processed commercially for alkaloid extraction, or dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, powders and tinctures.

Variations:

*alba* Has white flowers.	Maculata Has leaves with yellow-green centers.
*oxyloba* Syn. 'Dartington Star', 'Hidcote Purple' Bears deep violet-blue flowers with pointed lobes.	Reticulata Has yellow-veined leaves.
Variegata Syn. Elegantissima Has leaves with irregular cream variegation.

Height:

45cm (18in)

Width:

Indefinite

Hardiness:

Z7-9

Parts Used:

Whole Plant

Properties:

An acrid, slightly bitter, astringent herb that controls bleeding.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for heavy menstruation and enurensis. Externally as a douche for vaginal discharge.

Warning:

Toxic if eaten.

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