Common names: Greater (rosy) periwinkle, bigleaf periwinkle.Shrub that grows to 12" tall with trailing ascending stems; 1-3 feet long. The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. It has solitary violet flowers at the end of the stem. This ornamental plant is fast growing and flowers April through frost. The greater periwinkle is an evergreen, creeping plant with long trailing or arching stems. The flowers are carried in the short, ascending stems. It flowers from April through frost. The flowers are violet, leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. Thrives in shady and damp areas. Usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial.