Bigleaf periwinkle

Vinca major

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

No hazardous parts found.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

none named by our sources

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NAMING TRAP: ASPCA 'Periwinkle'/'Vinca' is Vinca rosea (Madagascar periwinkle, now Catharanthus roseus), toxic. Greater periwinkle (Vinca major) is a different genus; not named. Never carry either verdict across.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Vinca major, not on the common name.. Vinca major (greater periwinkle) is a different genus from Vinca rosea / Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle). Do not carry either plant's pet verdict across to the other.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight; tolerates nearly full shade and high heat
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 3 to 8 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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