Plants for shade part two. Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) is a stalwart of the shady garden: an evergreen sub-shrub that spreads vigorously even in the deepest shade. In part shade it has masses of flowers. In full shade the flowering might be limited but it still functions as a ground cover.

 Martin Crawford includes it in his book 'Creating a Forest Garden' noting that "The stems are thin and flexible and are very good for fine basketry work". That is borne out by the Latin name which derives from Vincire meaning bind.  

 

  Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) also has a trailing and twining habit but is mat forming rather than bushy. Likewise it thrives in shade but I find V. major to be the stronger growing of the two in full shade.