Vinca plants are subshrubs or herbaceous, and have slender trailing stems 1–2 m (3+1⁄2–6+1⁄2 ft) long but not growing more than 20–70 cm (8–27+1⁄2 in) above ground; the stems frequently take root where they touch the ground, enabling the plant to spread widely.

[3][4] The flowers, produced through most of the growing season, are salverform (like those of Phlox), simple, 2.5–7 cm (1–3 in) broad, with five usually violet (occasionally white) petals joined together at the base to form a tube.

[3][4] Accepted species:[1] The genus is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia.

Areas affected include parts of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, especially coastal California.

[13][14] Vinca major and V. minor are extensively cultivated as a flowering evergreen ornamental plant.