Variegated Greater Periwinkle Vinca major 'Variegata' (v)
ABOUT
The Variegated Greater Periwinkle features striking variegated foliage, with leaves that are broadly oval in shape. Each leaf is ornately edged with a creamy white border that contrasts beautifully against the deep green center. During the growing season, this evergreen ground cover produces an abundance of blue-violet blossoms. Its flowers are characterized by a simple, yet elegant star-shaped form with five petals that radiate from the center. The blossoms can provide a delightful pop of color in the landscape throughout much of the year. Overall, the plant exudes a lush and vibrant appearance that can easily brighten up shady spots in gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Greater Periwinkle, Variegated Bigleaf Periwinkle, Variegated Blue Periwinkle, Variegated Large Periwinkle
Common names
Vinca major 'Variegata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Greater Periwinkle is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, this plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, low blood pressure and depressive effects on the central nervous system. The severity of symptoms can vary based on the amount ingested and individual susceptibility. It's advisable to seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
The Greater Periwinkle is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, depression, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and potentially, coma. The vinca alkaloids present in the plant can cause severe systemic effects, and veterinary attention should be sought immediately if a pet ingests any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot 18 inches (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet 30-90 cm
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: The plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerant: It can survive with relatively little water, making it suitable for dry climates or water-wise gardens.
- Ground Cover: It spreads quickly and can cover large areas, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its variegated leaves, it offers decorative color and texture to garden beds and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerant: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it a great option for under-canopy planting and shaded areas.
- Rapid Growth: The plant grows quickly, filling in spaces and providing immediate impact in landscaping projects.
- Deer Resistant: It is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in deer-populated areas.
- Versatile: It can be used in a variety of garden styles, including containers, hanging baskets, and as a trailing plant in mixed borders.
Medical Properties- Alkaloids in Vinca major, such as vincamine, have been researched for their potential to improve cerebral blood flow and cognitive function.
- The compounds in the plant have been studied for potential use in the management of hypertension.
- There is historical use of Vinca major in European traditional medicine for its supposed astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Extracts from the plant have been investigated for possible antispasmodic effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Variegated vinca is widely used as an ornamental ground cover in gardens, thanks to its ability to spread and create a carpet of green and white leaves.
- Erosion Control: The plant’s robust root system makes it a good choice for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Container Gardening: Variegated vinca can be planted in pots and containers where its trailing vines will spill over the edges, creating an attractive display.
- Wedding Decor: The variegated foliage can be used as a natural and elegant decoration in wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
- Craft Projects: The leaves can be pressed and used in craft projects such as homemade cards, bookmarks, and scrapbooking for a touch of nature.
- Livestock Fodder: In some regions, vinca is used as a fodder plant for livestock, although it's important to note it can be toxic to many animals.
- Shade Tolerance: Its ability to tolerate low light makes variegated vinca a suitable plant for decorating darker areas of gardens and landscapes.
- Living Mulch: As a living mulch, vinca helps in retaining soil moisture and regulating soil temperature while also adding visual interest.
- Art and Dye: The sap of vinca has been traditionally used as a source for green dye, suitable for textiles and artistic purposes.
- Culinary Decoration: While not edible, the leaves can be used as a temporary decorative element on platters and in buffets for added visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Variegated Greater Periwinkle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Variegated Greater Periwinkle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Vinca major 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Greater Periwinkle, often symbolizes perseverance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Everlasting love: As an evergreen plant, Variegated Greater Periwinkle represents enduring and constant love, reflecting the plant's year-round foliage.
- Remembrance: In some traditions, Variegated Greater Periwinkle is associated with memories and is planted in gardens to remember lost loved ones, as it retains its leaves and sometimes flowers throughout the seasons.
- Friendship: Owing to its spreading habit that creates a network of connections among its shoots, Variegated Greater Periwinkle is sometimes a symbol for the bonds of friendship that connect people.
WaterThe Variegated Greater Periwinkle should be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate drier conditions once established. Typically, watering with about 1 gallon per week should suffice, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this plant is susceptible to root rot. During the growing season in the spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently if the weather is particularly hot or windy.
LightVariegated Greater Periwinkle thrives in partial shade to full sun. It is versatile and will do well in a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. However, too much intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so it's best to avoid placing it in a spot where the sun is overly harsh.
TemperatureThe Variegated Greater Periwinkle fares best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may experience damage to foliage or be killed back to the ground in frosts or freezes. It's important to protect the plant in winter if temperatures dip below the 20-degree mark by providing mulch or other forms of insulation.
PruningPruning Variegated Greater Periwinkle is important to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Prune in early spring before new growth begins, cutting back leggy stems and removing any dead or damaged growth. This plant can be pruned again after flowering if necessary to keep it tidy. Pruning can be done annually or biennially, depending on the desired size and shape of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVariegated greater periwinkle thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A balanced mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost or peat moss is ideal. The preferred soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingVariegated greater periwinkle is a vigorous grower and may not need frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound and exhibits stunted growth.
Humidity & MistingVariegated greater periwinkle tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate to high humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure soil drainage, mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Variegated Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major 'Variegata') begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil in spring or fall. It quickly develops a root system and shoots that grow into trailing stems, which can reach lengths of 18 inches to 30 inches. As it matures, the plant produces its distinctive variegated leaves, which are green with creamy white edges and provide attractive ground cover throughout the year. During the spring and summer, it blooms with violet to blue flowers, providing both aesthetic appeal and opportunities for the plant to set seed for future generations. After seeding, if conditions are unfavorable, parts of the plant may die back, but it can persist as an evergreen in milder climates or regrow from its roots in colder regions after winter dormancy. Throughout its life, Vinca major 'Variegata' can also spread vegetatively through rooting at the nodes of its stems, enabling the plant to expand its coverage area.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
For the Vinca major 'Variegata', commonly known as the variegated greater periwinkle, the most popular method of propagation is through stem cuttings. This process usually takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix, ensuring at least two sets of leaf nodes are buried. The pot can then be placed in a warm area with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and in a few weeks, roots should develop, allowing the young plant to eventually be transplanted outdoors.
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