Lesser Periwinkle


Lesser 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 elliptic to lanceolate or ovate, dark green leaves, to 5cm (2in) long. Purple-blue, mauve, or white, propeller-shaped flowers, 2.5-3cm (1-1¼in) across, appear from spring to autumn.


Common Name:
Lesser Periwinkle
Botanical Name:
Vinca Minor
Genus:
Vinca
Family:
Apocynaceae
Native Location:
Europe, S Russia, and the N Caucasus.
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 Variegata
Syn. Alba Aureavariegata

Has white flowers and yellow-marginated leaves.
Argenteovarigata
Syn. Variegata

Has pale violet-blue flowers and cream-margined leaves.
Atropurpurea
Syn. 'Purpurea', 'Rubra'

Has purple flowers.
Azurea Flore Pleno
Syn. Caerulea Plena

Has double blue flowers.
Gertrude Jekyll
Is compact, with numerous white flowers.
La Grave
Syn. 'Bowles' Blue', 'Bowles' Variety'

Bear large lavender-blue flowers.
Multiplex
Syn. Double Burgundy

Bear doubles purple flowers.
Height:
10-20cm (4-8in)
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Leaves
Properties:
A bitter, astringent herb that controls bleeding and discharges, and improves blood flow to the brain.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for heavy menstruation, internal hemorrhage, nosebleed, arteriosclerosis, and dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Externally for sore throat, gum inflammation, and mouth ulcers. Combined with Trillium erectum (See, Bethroot) for menstruation with Ginkgo biloba (See, Ginkgo for hardening of the cerebral arteries.
Warning:
Toxic if eaten.
Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 404-405