Botanical Name: Vinca major ‘Variegata’

Common Name: Variegated Vinca, Periwinkle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 7–10; Evergreen in Mild Climates

Size: 6–12" Tall × 24–36"+ Spread

Growth Habit: Trailing, Creeping, Mat-Forming, Vigorous

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding Required

Features: Cream-Edged Evergreen Foliage, Lavender-Blue Flowers, Fast Coverage, Excellent Weed Suppression, Shade Tolerance, Low Maintenance

Uses: Groundcover, Slopes & Banks, Under Trees & Shrubs, Woodland Gardens, Foundations

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Easy to Propagate from Cuttings

More About Vinca major ‘Variegata’

Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a classic, large-leaved periwinkle valued for its bold variegation and aggressive spreading habit. The oversized glossy leaves, edged in creamy white, provide strong visual contrast and brighten shaded areas throughout the year.

In early spring, lavender-blue flowers appear above the foliage, adding a brief but attractive seasonal display. While flowering is secondary, it complements the plant’s dominant foliage without detracting from its primary role as a groundcover.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In trials, ‘Variegata’ excelled in difficult sites, including slopes, dry shade, and areas with poor soil. Once established, it required very little supplemental water and formed a dense mat that effectively suppressed weeds.

We especially like it for large-scale coverage, where speed and durability matter more than restraint. It consistently performed with minimal maintenance and strong year-round presence.

Variegata vs. Other Vinca Vines

Compared to Vinca minor, ‘Variegata’ is noticeably larger, faster spreading, and more assertive in the landscape. Its bold, cream-edged leaves create stronger visual mass than Vinca minor ‘Illumination’ thus making it better suited for large areas rather than tight borders. Compared to Wojo’s Jem, Vinca major ‘Variegata’ delivers bold, coarse foliage and strong visual mass, while Wojo’s Gem offers finer texture and softer variegation, creating a more subtle, polished look in the landscape. Against ‘Bowles Cunningham’, it is slightly less refined but still delivers excellent coverage and durability. This is the choice when scale, speed, and impact matter more than restraint. Its variegation is also broader and more irregular than ‘Bowles Cunningham’, which reads cleaner and more uniform.