Apocynaceae
Variegated Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Variegata')
Vinca minor 'Variegata'
Grow in well-drained soil in partial shade for the best variegation contrast, though it also tolerates full sun or full shade. Water regularly while establishing, then only when the soil dries out — mature plants are quite drought tolerant. Shear back long runners once a year to keep growth compact, since this cultivar can spread aggressively and become weedy if left unchecked.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 23°C
% - %
Categories
What is Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
Variegated Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Variegata') is a easy-care plant from the Apocynaceae family. Variegated lesser periwinkle is a low, trailing evergreen subshrub in the Apocynaceae family, native to central and southern Europe, prized for its grey-green oval leaves edged in creamy white. Its wiry stems root at the nodes wherever they touch soil, quickly forming a dense mat, and it produces so...
Variegated Lesser Periwinkle grows up to 15cm, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 23°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Variegated Lesser Periwinkle tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
TLDR: Variegated Lesser Periwinkle needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-23°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
Water deeply about once a week, letting the soil dry between waterings; established plants shrug off short dry spells.
How Much Light Does Variegated Lesser Periwinkle Need?
Partial shade brings out the strongest leaf variegation, but the plant adapts equally well to full sun or full shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
Tolerates sandy, loamy, clay, or chalky soils as long as drainage is decent; soggy soil invites root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
In containers, choose a wide, shallow pot or hanging basket with good drainage to let the trailing stems cascade; outdoors it's best used directly in the ground as a bed edging or slope cover.
What Is Variegated Lesser Periwinkle and Where Does It Come From?
Variegated lesser periwinkle is a low, trailing evergreen subshrub in the Apocynaceae family, native to central and southern Europe, prized for its grey-green oval leaves edged in creamy white. Its wiry stems root at the nodes wherever they touch soil, quickly forming a dense mat, and it produces solitary violet-blue, five-lobed flowers mainly in spring. It is exceptionally tough, tolerating anything from full sun to deep shade.
How to Propagate Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
Divide on an overcast day to reduce transplant stress on the new pieces.
- 1 Choose an established clump in spring or fall.
- 2 Dig around the plant and lift a rooted section.
- 3 Split it into smaller pieces by hand or with a clean knife.
- 4 Replant immediately in prepared soil and water well.
Materials needed:
Stems often root naturally wherever they touch soil, making cuttings especially reliable.
- 1 Cut 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem sections in late spring or summer.
- 2 Strip the leaves from the lower half of each cutting.
- 3 Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
- 4 Plant in light potting mix and keep evenly moist until roots form.
Materials needed:
This is the plant's most natural propagation method, since it self-layers wherever stems contact the ground.
- 1 Find a long, flexible stem still attached to the parent plant.
- 2 Pin a section of the stem to the soil with a garden staple or small stone.
- 3 Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- 4 Once rooted (a few weeks), sever from the parent and transplant.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Variegated Lesser Periwinkle Grow?
TLDR: Variegated Lesser Periwinkle can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
1.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional source of vincamine, an alkaloid used in pharmaceutical extracts for cerebral circulation support (from processed extracts, not the raw plant)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Variegated Lesser Periwinkle?
TLDR: Variegated Lesser Periwinkle is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Grey Mould
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Meaning & Symbolism
Periwinkle has long symbolized early or lasting friendship and fond remembrance, and its evergreen habit on graves earned it the old folk name 'flower of death' in parts of Europe.
Fun Facts
The name 'vinca' comes from the Latin 'vincire' (to bind), a nod to its long, flexible stems once used to make garlands.
Vincamine, an alkaloid extracted from Vinca minor, is used pharmaceutically to support cerebral blood flow.
Its stems root wherever they touch the ground, making it one of the easiest groundcovers to propagate and spread.
Frequently asked questions
Is variegated periwinkle toxic to cats and dogs?
Does it need full sun to flower?
How often should I water it?
Is variegated vinca invasive?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Vinca minor 'Variegata' | lesser periwinkle - RHS
- Periwinkle: Plant Care and Growing Guide - Gardenia.net
- Vinca Diseases | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson
- Periwinkle Myrtle Vinca - CT.gov Plant Pest Handbook
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Vinca | ASPCA
- Vinca minor - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden
- Vinca alkaloid - Wikipedia
- File:Vinca minor Variegata kz1.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
