Variegated Periwinkle Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata' (v)

Water

Variegated periwinkle should be watered regularly but with moderation, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering once a week, with approximately 1 gallon per square yard, should be sufficient. Reduce watering frequency in fall and decrease to only when necessary in winter, especially for outdoor plantings. If grown in containers, check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage.

Light

Variegated periwinkle thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. The plant can tolerate some morning sun, but it should be protected from harsh afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf burn. An ideal spot would be under the dappled shade of trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive bright but indirect light throughout the day.

Temperature

Variegated periwinkle is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand winter lows down to about 0°F and is tolerant of summer heat as long as the roots are kept cool with mulch or shade. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 80°F, avoiding extremes on both ends of the spectrum to maintain plant health.

Pruning

Variegated periwinkle should be pruned to control its spread, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning is best done in early spring or after flowering to shape the plant and maintain the desired size. It's a vigorous grower, so occasional pruning throughout the growing season may be necessary to keep it tidy. During these pruning sessions, simply trim back the plant to prevent it from overpowering neighboring plants.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Vinca minor, commonly known as variegated periwinkle, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand is suitable. The ideal pH range for variegated periwinkle is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Variegated periwinkle typically doesn't require frequent repotting because it's a ground cover plant that spreads horizontally. Repotting can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant overgrows its container or the soil appears exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Variegated periwinkle thrives under average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity as well. No specific humidity level is essential for the variegated periwinkle.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in indirect light, water when soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, moist well-drained soil, shelter from hot sun.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata', commonly known as variegated lesser periwinkle, starts its life as a seed, which upon finding adequate conditions for moisture and temperature, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling stage involves the development of the first true leaves, after which the plant enters the vegetative growth stage where it produces stems and leaves, spreading out horizontally to form mats. A mature variegated lesser periwinkle then enters the flowering stage, which typically occurs in the spring, producing attractive lavender-blue flowers that are often used in ornamental displays. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which are dry capsules that split open to release the seeds for the next generation. The plant may also reproduce vegetatively through its root system, as the stems can root at the nodes when they come in contact with the soil. Variegated lesser periwinkle is a perennial, meaning it will go through these growth and reproductive cycles year after year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Common periwinkle 'Argenteovariegata' is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, making sure that each cutting has at least three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone powder. This prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes, where the leaves were removed, are buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the pot is ideally placed in a warm, shaded area until roots develop and new growth becomes evident, signalling successful propagation.