Bigleaf Periwinkle: The Pretty Ground Cover You Should Think Twice About
If you’ve ever admired those glossy green carpets of trailing plants topped with charming blue-violet flowers, you’ve likely encountered bigleaf periwinkle (Vinca major). This Mediterranean native has found its way into gardens across North America, but before you fall for its undeniable charm, there’s an important conversation we need to have about this attractive but problematic plant.
What Is Bigleaf Periwinkle?
Bigleaf periwinkle is a perennial herb that behaves more like a determined ground-hugging explorer than a well-mannered garden resident. With its glossy, oval leaves and trailing stems that can spread several feet in all directions, this plant creates dense mats that effectively crowd out almost everything else in their path. The pretty blue-violet flowers (and occasionally white ones) bloom from spring through fall, giving it year-round appeal that’s hard to resist.
Where Does It Grow?
Originally from the Mediterranean region of southern Europe and North Africa, bigleaf periwinkle has made itself quite at home across much of North America. You’ll find it established in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
The Problem with This Pretty Plant
Here’s where things get complicated. While bigleaf periwinkle might seem like the perfect low-maintenance ground cover, it’s actually classified as an invasive species in several areas, including Alabama where it holds a Category 2 invasive status. This non-native plant doesn’t just stay put where you plant it – it spreads aggressively through underground runners and has a tendency to escape cultivation and establish in wild areas.
Once established, bigleaf periwinkle forms dense mats that can smother native wildflowers, ferns, and tree seedlings. It’s particularly problematic in woodland areas where it can displace native ground covers that provide food and habitat for local wildlife.
Growing Conditions and Hardiness
If you’re wondering why this plant is so successful at taking over, its adaptability is part of the answer. Bigleaf periwinkle thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 and can survive in zone 6 with some protection. It prefers shade to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, but it’s remarkably tolerant of various soil conditions. According to wetland status classifications, it’s considered facultative upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can handle some moisture.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
While the flowers do produce some nectar, bigleaf periwinkle offers minimal benefits to native pollinators compared to native alternatives. The dense mats it forms can actually reduce habitat diversity for beneficial insects, small mammals, and ground-nesting birds.
Our Recommendation
Given its invasive tendencies and minimal wildlife benefits, we recommend against planting bigleaf periwinkle, especially in areas near natural habitats where it could escape and cause ecological harm. If you’re dealing with existing plantings, consider gradually replacing them with native alternatives.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful native ground covers that can give you that lush, carpet-like effect without the ecological concerns:
- Wild ginger – Offers heart-shaped leaves and thrives in shade
- Coral bells – Provides colorful foliage and delicate flower spikes
- Wild strawberry – Gives you flowers, fruit, and fall color
- Creeping phlox – Creates stunning spring flower displays
- Native sedges – Offer diverse textures and year-round interest
The Bottom Line
While bigleaf periwinkle’s glossy leaves and persistent blooms make it an attractive option for challenging garden spots, its invasive nature and minimal ecological benefits make it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. By choosing native alternatives, you’ll create a more sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife while still achieving that beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover look you’re after. Your local ecosystem will thank you for making the switch!
