Large Periwinkle: the 69th Flower of Spring & Summer! (Explore #26!)

There seems to be no end to the number of flowers that grow here on our property! I don't have an actual number at this point but it's well over 100 and I keep finding more almost every day!! Most of the flowers are wild, and though a smaller version of this flower is actually naturalized here in Oregon, this is one of the plants that was here when we moved and we love its deep green leaves and blue-violet-purple flowers!

The Large Periwinkle is native to southern Europe, as well as the Caucuses and Turkey. The smaller but nearly identical Common Periwinkle has also been naturalized in various parts of the United States, including Oregon. In fact, just down the road from our house, I've found it growing wild and it was fun to recognize it there! I was fascinated to discover how to easily tell the difference between the two types: if the leaves have fuzzy edges, it's the Large Periwinkle or "Vinca Major" and if the leaves are smooth, it's the Common Periwinkle or "Vinca Minor". These plants are usually evergreens and are very popular choices for gardens due to their hardiness and ground-covering nature.

If you would like to know more about this flower, Wiki has a page here: Wiki: Large Periwinkle (Vinca major)

Explored on June 15, 2012, placement at #210