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Vinca major ‘Variegata’ (Big Periwinkle)

Periwinkle 'Variegata', Greater Periwinkle 'Variegata', Bigleaf Periwinkle 'Variegata', Vinca major 'Elegantissima'

AGM Award
Vinca major 'Variegata', Periwinkle 'Variegata', Greater Periwinkle 'Variegata', Vinca major 'Elegantissima', Evergreen perennial, evergreen groundcover, Variegated vinca, variegated periwinkle, Shade perennials, Plants for shade, Blue Vinca, Blue

Award-winning Vinca major ‘Variegata’ (Big Periwinkle) is an evergreen, mat-forming, subshrub or perennial with long prostrate rooting stems covered with ivory-margined, sea green leaves. Borne on arching shoots over a long season, large violet-blue flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), appear in mid-spring and continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Excellent for suppressing weeds, this variegated periwinkle is vigorous and makes a lovely groundcover for large expanses of ground. Adds a finish touch to hanging baskets and containers where its cream and green foliage happily dangles on stringy stems.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 8-18 in. tall (20-45 cm). When grown in the ground, this periwinkle will sprout upward, tumble over, and grow in a lush tangle. Plant 8 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Plant 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) to cover large areas.
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. Dry soil and drought tolerant.
  • Excellent choice as a groundcover, for banks and slopes or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs and excellent selection for hanging baskets, window boxes and containers.
  • A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer and rabbit resistant
  • No serious pest or disease issues. May be subject to aphids or rust.
  • Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
  • Vinca major species is native to Europe and Asia.
  • This cultivar is not considered to be invasive. Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Periwinkle: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Unleash the power of periwinkle in your garden with these easy-growing tips!

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Vinca
Common names Periwinkle
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)
Vinca major (Big Periwinkle)
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Vinca minor f. alba (Lesser Periwinkle)
Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ (Lesser Periwinkle)
Vinca minor ‘Illumination’ (Lesser Periwinkle)

Recommended Companion Plants

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Solomon’s Seal)
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Best Foliage Plants for Your Garden
Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca major (Big Periwinkle)
Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Periwinkle: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Vinca
Common names Periwinkle
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Vinca (Periwinkle)
Guides with
Vinca (Periwinkle)
Not sure which Vinca (Periwinkle) to pick?
Compare Now

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