Variegated Greater Periwinkle

This periwinkle is ideal for lighting up a shady or awkward spot in the garden; Vinca major Variegata is a very vigorous, evergreen perennial, with an upright, mat-forming habit. The ovate leaves are deep green, attractively edged with cream. Single, deep violet-blue flowers, 4 ½ “ /4-5cm in width, are borne on upright stems above the clump from spring to autumn. This is an easy plant to grow in any but the driest soils, and makes good, weed-suppressing ground cover in a shady or difficult spot. This is a plant that roots as it goes from the stem-tips, so choose your spot carefully and cut back when necessary. It’s good on banks, under trees in ditches, and in shady, wet or difficult places. Greater periwinkle Variegata holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, poorly drained, or well-drained soil
Position: Flowers best in full sun; tolerates full shade and partial shade
Season of interest: All year, spring to autumn in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  18” (45cm) Spread: 5’-8’  (1.5-2.5m) in 5-10 years