No green thumbs are required to grow vinca vine.
Variegated vinca goes by many names.
Known as bigleaf periwinkle (Vinca major’Variegata'), it’s a variegated form ofV.
Credit: Togmit / Getty Images
major,or greater periwinkle.
These vinca vines have big leaves with a distinctive appearance.
The leaves have central patches of deep green, edged in white and varying shades of light green.
These stunning patches look like brushstrokes painted across the leaf’s surface.
Vinca vine is a larger relative ofV.
minor, or common periwinkle, which has wedge-shaped leaves with a thick texture and smaller flowers thanV.
In addition to their year-round leaves, vinca vines also bloom.
Small lavender, blue, orpurple flowersappear on the vine in early to late spring.
The flowers are shaped like pinwheels and have five petals each.
The plants grow to 3 to 8 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
The pretty variegated leaves last all year, and their flowers reappear yearly.
Plant in spring or fall during cooler temperatures, when the soil is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
It’s a reliable source of green garden color and adds year-round green as a houseplant.
However, vinca leaves are extremely toxic to pets.It’s also considered invasive.
Plant Attributes
Variegated Vinca Care
This plant doesn’t require a green thumb to maintain.
It’s pretty hardy, thrives in various environments, and is tolerant of even difficult soils.
Variegated vinca makes a lovely and easy-to-care-for indoor plant.
When planted outdoors, it’s an aggressive spreader.
Light
Variegated vinca grows well in partial to full sun.
Full sun exposure can also cause leaves to dry out during the summer or periods of drought.
Water
When first planting, water until the roots are well-established.
Continue to keep variegated vinca well-watered by maintaining moist but well-drained soil.
Apply water to the roots instead of the entire plant.
Temperature And Humidity
Variegated vinca prefers moderate climates.
This plant benefits from high humidity and partial shade.
Fertilizer
Because variegated vincas are an aggressively growing plant, fertilization is unnecessary.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season or when first establishing plants to encourage blooming.
Apply fertilizer in the mornings to prevent leaf scorch.
Too much fertilizer, however, can limit the number of flowers that bloom.
Types Of Vinca
Vinca plants have a sprawling nature with trailing stems.
Prune in spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy to cut back an overgrown plant.
Removing some growth also allows for better air circulation and increases sun exposure, which helps prevent diseases.
It’s best to do so in early spring or summer when the frost has ended.
There are several methods to propagate this plant, likeplanting cuttings.
Choose any jot down of 4- to 6-inch pot with drainage holes.
see to it the roots are even with or slightly above the soil line.
Repot variegated vinca annually, when the plant has doubled in size, or if the plant is root-bound.
Choose a pot that is a few inches wider than the current pot.
Use wood chips, straw, leaf compost, or other materials to help insulate the plant’s roots.
Continue watering variegated vinca throughout the winter, but allow enough time for the plant to dry between waterings.
Common problems include bugs like aphids,spider mites, scales, and whiteflies.
These pests are treatable with an tool of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases like Phytophthora blight andleaf spotscommonly occur in variegated vinca.
Avoid wet soil, and maintain proper sun exposure to help prevent these fungal infections from occurring.
If left untreated, the roots of the variegated vinca can rot.
If caught early, they are treatable with fungicides.
It might be necessary to remove plants with advanced rot.
The small flowers have a faint sweet smell.
If your vinca vine doesn’t have many blooms, it may need more sun.
Apply light fertilizer to keep blooms coming on plants grown in pots.
Resolve these problems with a balanced fertilizer and maintaining a regular watering schedule.
If this issue persists, black necrotic spots might appear on the foliage.
Test the soil, and treat it with fertilizer to help achieve a balanced nutrient level.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Variegated vincas’foliage might turn yellowbecause of an iron deficiency.
Added fertilization should help balance the soil’s pH levels.
Too much water will also cause yellowing leaves because this plant needs well-draining soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vinca’s foliage is evergreen and will keep its color all year long.
The first difference betweenV.
majorhas slightly larger flowers and leaves.
It has light green foliage and blue, purple, or white flowers.V.
minorhas dark green foliage with blue blossoms.
Both species are used for ground cover and can grow in containers or hanging baskets.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Vinca major.
Kluepfel, M., and Polomski, R.Periwinkle.
Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center.
Reviewed February 2, 2021.
