Vinca Major 'Variegata' | Big Leaf Periwinkle

Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

9 customer reviews

Vinca major 'Variegata' (AKA Big Leaf Periwinkle/Myrtle)

Pronunciation: VING-kah MAY-jor
Product: 1968

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For a soft, evergreen groundcover that spreads prolifically, offers elegant lilac-blue blooms offset by sage and antique ivory-margined foliage, you will certainly want to consider Variegata.

While her leaves are larger than V. major 'Green' (1 inch by 1/2 - 3 inches), and she grows slightly taller (up to 18 inches), Variegata is a graceful, curvy, trailing groundcover that prefers part shade and well drained, fertile, loamy soil. Variegata is an economical choice because she spreads quickly once established.

In northern zones, she grows well in full sun and will do the same in most southern zones provided you give her ample water. Otherwise, she loves shade beds and gardeners love her for that very fact. Her foliage and blossoms fill otherwise drab, shady spots with color, texture and a feeling of timeless whimsy.

Tolerant of light foot traffic, Variegata does fine by pathways and as a border, provided you trim her back if she encroaches areas you don't wish her to grow into. This is the variety you'll want to consider if you wish to have a bit more height from your groundcover and variegated foliage.

See other plants that go well with this plant.

General information about Vinca (Periwinkle, Myrtle):
An American classic commonly referred to as Periwinkle or Myrtle, Vinca, with her graceful, cascading foliage on slim trailing stems and delicate phlox-like flowers, is an irresistible garden groundcover. Her blooms peek out in early spring and heavily cover the foliage, then sparsely persist throughout summer.

Evergreen and utterly low-maintenance, her lanceolate foliage (from 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches long and 1/8- 3/16 inches broad) sits opposite one another and tends to be low-growing (though some varieties can grow up to 2 feet high).

It spreads far and wide as the long stems grow, touch the ground, and root where they touch. Because of her fast spreading habit and ability to blanket an area quickly, Vinca is useful at controlling soil erosion on shady slopes and for covering for large blank spaces and difficult bare spots under trees and shrubs.

Subshrubs with woody habits, both Vinca major and Vinca minor are highly sought after because they can completely carpet an area quickly and economically with the added bonus of delicate salverform flowers willing to blossom in shade or full sun.

Because she doesn’t climb, Vinca is a perfect alternative to ivy when you need a solid, resilient absolutely lovely, classic look. Gardeners love the fact that it is tolerant of infrequent foot traffic and deer. Provided she's given frequent drinks, Vinca minor is perfect for difficult poor soil, surprising many gardeners with her adaptability, but of course, she’ll blow your mind when planted in organic, moist, well-drained, loamy soil.

Things to Note
Compared to Vinca minor, Vinca major is less cold hardy, more tolerant of heat, has broader, hairier leaves, larger flowers, and twice as many chromosomes.

Comparison of V. minor vs. V. major

	Needs shade in	Prefers shade in	Tolerates full sun in
Vinca minor	Zone 9	Zones 7-8	Zones 4-6
Vinca major	Zone 11	Zone 10	Zone 6-9

Be aware that Vinca can be invasive, and should only be used in contained areas or spaces where she can have free run.

Only a thin layer (if any) of mulch should be used, because Vinca spreads by re-rooting where runners touch the ground.

Interesting Facts
Vinca (from Latin vincire "to bind, fetter") is a genus of six species in the family Apocynaceae; it is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Vinca’s common name, shared with its related genus Catharanthus, is Periwinkle.

Gardener Tips
Gardeners often opt to use Vinca in flower boxes, urns and hanging baskets because of their elegant, dangling stems. In a planter, consider pairing Vinca with spring bulbs, then summer annuals, followed by evergreen sprigs and berries for year-round curbside appeal.

Vinca is a lovely complement to creeping phlox and lavender in a rock garden.

Vinca loves to spread, but not typically upward. If planting Vinca on a slope, be sure to start at the highest point and then place plants evenly spaced down the slope. This will ensure even, full coverage.

While all parts of the vinca plant are slightly toxic, that small amount consumed by a pet is unlikely to cause signs (loss of coordination, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting and depression). It would be best to watch your dog or cat closely over the next 24 hours, and if you see any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or tremors, he/she needs to be seen right away by a veterinarian.

See all Vinca.

Specifications

Cold hardiness zone: 6-11 (grown as an annual in Zones 3-5) (-10 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
AHS Heat Zone: 9-1
Light: Full sun Part sun Shade
Growth rate: Fast
Mature height: 8-18"
Spacing: 10-14"
Tolerant of: Deer, Drought, Foot Traffic, Poor Soil, Rabbits, Salt
pH of Soil: 5.0 - 7.8, Ideal pH: 6.0 - 6.5
Grows Under Trees: Conifer - Yes, Walnut - Yes, Other - Yes
Cascades: Yes
Good for borders & edging: Yes
Spreads by creeping: Yes
Good for erosion control: Yes
Evergreen: Yes
Good for slopes: Yes
Variegated: Yes
Vine: Yes

Reviews

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They look great!
05/07/2020 By Cynthia Ullrich (NY)
Product reviewed: Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

As a caveat to my review my plants have only been the ground for 1 week. That said, they arrived nicely packed and every plant was fresh looking. I love the variegated leaves. I put them in the ground the same evening and they are all doing well. I have planted... Read full review >

Healthy plants
05/07/2019 By Andrew Macko (MI)
Product reviewed: Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

The plants were well packaged in sturdy waxed boxes to protect from leakage. Very healthy. Will order more soon. Were a good price as well.

I love this plant and this company.
07/14/2018 By Barbara
Product reviewed: Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

As with all my prior orders, the plants arrived timely, carefully packaged and in good condition. Due to the summer heat and the shipping distance, a few plants didn't look great. I advised the company and said I'd plant them anyway and see what happens... Read full review >

wonderful arrival
07/12/2018 By Kelly Woestman
Product reviewed: Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

I wish I could share the picture of how each of the plants "popped up" after I took the top of the shipping box off of them. Plants were very healthy DESPITE the 106 degree heat index here today. Newspapers used in packing were still damp!

Good quality for the most part
09/13/2017 By Andrew Hudak
Product reviewed: Variegated Greater (Large Leaf) Periwinkle {3 1/2 in. Pots, min 25}

This is a follow up review. My original review was generally good but referenced a small number of plants that were stressed. The company read my review , contacted me by email, issued a refund for the damaged plants.

Outstanding customer service and... Read full review >