Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Vinca and from the Apocynaceae, commonly known as the dogbanes family. It’s a popular cultivar of the Vinca major species.
The genus name Vinca is derived from the Latin word “vincere”, which means “to bind,” and references when Romans used this creeping vine to prepare garlands as decoration for festivals and as crowns. The specific epithet major came from the Latin word meaning “larger.
This evergreen perennial is native to the Mediterranean area of Southern Europe and regions of Asia and Northern Africa. It’s also generally abundant in open woodlands, hedgerows, urban bushland, watercourses, riparian areas, and riverbanks.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a showy flowering plant. Its quick notable features include large, violet-blue funnel-shaped “periwinkle” flowers, trailing or vine-like stems, and dark green leaves with creamy-white margins.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ also goes by several common names:
- Big Periwinkle
- Big Leaf Periwinkle
- Blue Buttons
- Blue Periwinkle
- Greater Periwinkle
- Large-leaved periwinkle
- Periwinkle
- Sorcerer’s violet
This mat-forming perennial is a recipient of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its reliable performance, color stability, and pest or disease resistance under UK growing conditions.
However, this award-winning evergreen subshrub is considered an invasive plant species in California and other states.
Quick Facts On Vinca Major Variegata
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Light: Full sun; Full Shade; Partial shade
- Temperature: 30° to 40° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Occasional watering; Well-drained soil
- Fertilizer: Dilute liquid fertilizer
- Propagation: Division, Seeds, or Stem cutting
- Common Problems: Aphids, Rust Fungus, and Leaf Blight
Vinca Major Variegata Care
How Big Does Vinca Major Variegata Grow?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a fast-growing evergreen subshrub, its upright stems reaching up to 8″ to 18″ inches tall with an ultimate spread ranging from 59″ to 98″ inches.
It also develops holdfast roots and spreads horizontally to create a mat-like cover when grown in the ground.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ reaches maturity within 5 to 10 years.
When Does Vinca Major Variegata Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a vigorous evergreen perennial flowering plant that produces delicate, showy, funnel-shaped flowers with 4 to 5 spreading petals or rays.
The “periwinkle” flowers vary in different colors, including
- Purplish-blue
- Blue
- Lavender
- White
Each flower, spreading 1″ to 3″ inches across, is borne singly on upright, trailing, or unbranched stems. The creeping leafy stems contain a milky latex and spread horizontally, creating a dense carpet of foliage.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is well-known for its variegated foliage with glossy, dark green lanceolate leaves edged with yellowish-white edges. Its leaves spread about 1″ to 3″ inches long and have a leathery texture.
In addition, this herbaceous subshrub produces slender, cylindrical brown fruits 2″ inches long that are usually borne in pairs.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ typically blooms from late spring to early autumn (May to October). It begins to blossom in May and then flowers sporadically through summer to fall.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ thrives in full sun but may grow equally well in full shade locations in North, West, South, or East–facing aspects.
For full sun, it needs direct exposure to sunlight for 6 or more hours daily.
It may also thrive in partial shade locations with 2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight but only part of the day.
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ prefers a temperate climate with an ideal temperature range between 30° to 40° degrees Fahrenheit but may also tolerate around 68° degrees Fahrenheit if planted indoors.
In addition, the preferred USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Vinca Major Variegata?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a drought-resistant plant, meaning it can adapt well to arid conditions and can survive prolonged periods of little to no rain.
It only needs occasional watering as it can tolerate dry conditions.
This evergreen perennial also doesn’t require fertilizing, but you may feed it using dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season every other week if desired.
What Is The Best Soil For Vinca Major Variegata, And When Should You Transplant?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is not picky to the soil condition, but it grows best in well-drained soil rich in high organic matter or soil with loam (silt) texture.
It also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. to thrive. Once established, this drought-resistant plant can also tolerate dry soil.
Early spring is the best time to transplant your Vinca major ‘Variegata.’
Remember to plant this 8″ inches apart as it develops holdfast roots and encourages spreading to give your garden a lush cover.
Does Vinca Major Variegata Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require regular grooming, but you may trim the stems if they get too untidy and bare.
You may also cut back unwanted shoots during spring to prevent Vinca major ‘Variegata’ from becoming invasive.
How To Propagate Blue Buttons?
Blue Buttons may be propagated via three methods:
- Division
- Stem cuttings
- Seeds
Propagation via division must be done in spring or autumn.
Here are the following steps to do:
- Dig and lift the blue buttons using a flat-edged space or shovel.
- Then, use a knife to slice the plant about 6″ inches around the crown’s center, a few inches away from the foliage.
- Shake off the excess soil.
- Plant them as soon as possible, either in the same location or in a container.
- Water the divisions well.
The easiest propagation method is stem cuttings, and it must be done in summer.
If you opt for this procedure, follow these steps:
- Prepare a pot or container and fill it with either soilless or commercial potting mix.
- Use sterilized scissors or a razor blade to cut the stem below the note or bump cleanly.
- Remember to keep at least one node and two leaves at the stem.
- Apply a rooting hormone to stimulate the stem cutting for shooting out new roots.
- Poke the soil and carefully place the stem cutting into the hole.
You may also try seed propagation. Do the following steps for this method:
- First, harvest the seeds from the fruit or seed pods.
- Next is to dry and place the harvested seeds in a dry place during winter.
- Then, place the dried seeds in a seed tray with a potting medium.
- Remember to keep the place warm with a temperature range of 75° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the seeds moist using a mist sprayer until seedlings appear.
- Water them regularly but lightly.
Big Periwinkle Pests And Disease Problems
Big periwinkle is a deer-resistant plant but may be subjected to potential problems, such as:
- Aphids
- Rust Fungus
- Leaf Blight
Keep a lookout for signs like brownish-black spots or patches on the leaves. A fungicide or pesticide may be used to treat these problems.
Uses Of Big Periwinkle
Big Periwinkles are attractive evergreen subshrubs widely cultivated as ornamental plants.
They are decorative and make an exceptional groundcover for the following locations:
- Patio
- Container
- Garden
- Slopes or Bank (to prevent erosion and stabilize soils)
- Rock Wall
- Walkways
Big Periwinkles are also excellent plant selections for trailing stone walls, window boxes, and hanging baskets.