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perennial

Expoflora Periwinkle

Vinca major 'Expoflora'

 

 
Expoflora Periwinkle (Vinca major 'Expoflora') at Sabellico Greenhouses

Expoflora Periwinkle foliage

Expoflora Periwinkle foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 inches

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  6b

Other Names:  Trailing Vinca, Bigleaf Periwinkle

Description:

One of the finest low-growing groundcovers, featuring rich lilac-blue flowers held over green foliage edged in creamy white; does well in sun or shade, quickly forms a dense mat, even grows well under mature trees

Ornamental Features

Expoflora Periwinkle has masses of beautiful lilac purple flowers with blue overtones along the stems from mid to late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive glossy oval leaves remain green in color with distinctive white edges and tinges of creamy white throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Expoflora Periwinkle is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Expoflora Periwinkle is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting
  • Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Expoflora Periwinkle will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Expoflora Periwinkle is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, this plant may be too tender to survive the winter if left outdoors in a container. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Container  Basket 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features
This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.

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