How to Harvest a Periwinkle Vinca Major

Bigleaf periwinkle, also called vinca major, derives its name from its large leaves. Each leaf is about the size of a half dollar, glossy green and heart-shaped. Though slightly invasive in the southern United States, landscapers often plant periwinkle in low-traffic areas as a groundcover. It's evergreen, so it remains glossy in the fall. In the spring, it blooms tiny lavender flowers. According to Botanical.com, you can also harvest vinca major for use in herbal medicine.

Pruning snips
Small basket
Cookie sheets
Parchment paper
Heavy books

Instructions

- 1
  Harvest periwinkle in midsummer, when the flowers are at full bloom and have not yet started to fade.
- 2
  Untangle the periwinkle stems gently, snipping only one stem in three. Choose stems heavy with blossoms. Herbal remedies use all parts of the periwinkle plant.
- 3
  Place the flowers gently in a small basket as you work. Don't cut away all the plants in a single area; move from one area to the next, picking the healthiest looking plants. The leaves should be glossy and free of blemishes. The blooms should be firm and deeply colored.
- 4
  Arrange the periwinkle flowers on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. The flowers may touch each other, but should not lie on top of each other.
- 5
  Lay a second piece of parchment over the flowers. Gently press down on the parchment with your hands to crush and flatten the flowers a bit.
- 6
  Lay heavy books on top of the parchment. Stack them closely together to put even pressure on the flowers.
- 7
  Allow the flowers to dry under the books for about three weeks. Remove the books and the top layer of parchment; you should be able to crumble the periwinkle in your hands.

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