How to Grow And Care For Variegated Vinca (Bigleaf Periwinkle)

Variegated vinca goes by many names. Known as 'bigleaf periwinkle' (Vinca major 'Variegata'), it's a variegated form of Vinca major, or 'greater periwinkle'. These vinca vines have big leaves with a distinctive appearance. The "variegated" part of this cultivar's name means that the leaves of the plant exhibit markings of different colors. The leaves have central patches of deep green, edged in white and varying shades of light green. These patches look like brush strokes painted across the leaf's surface and are stunning.

In addition to their year-round leaves, vinca vines also bloom. Small lavender, blue, or purple flowers appear on the vine in early to late spring. The flowers are shaped like pinwheels and have five petals each.

Those pretty variegated leaves last all year, and their flowers reappear yearly. 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. Vinca vines grow just as well in full sun as in the shade and are drought-resistant—a big plus for hands-off gardeners.

Variegated vinca makes a lovely and easy-to-care-for indoor plant. When planted outdoors, it's an aggressive spreader. It is a reliable ground-cover species, however, since it's considered invasive, in some areas like Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia, some states call for moderate plant management outdoors.

Light

Variegated vinca grows well in partial to full sun. In partial sunlight, growth might be less extensive, but in areas where the sun is plentiful, be sure to trim back as necessary to encourage healthy, manageable growth. Full sun exposure can also cause leaves to dry out during the summer or periods of drought. 

Soil

Variegated vinca adapts to most soil environments, but it likes moist, loamy (or silty), and organic soil. To start growing this plant, add some organic peat moss or compost mixture to help improve soil drainage and nutrients.

Since the plant grows vertically, choose an area where it can spread, preferably near a structure to help the vine grow freely. The hole should be at least two times the size of the root ball—cover the root top to meet the top of the soil level.

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. It helps to water earlier in the day to allow the afternoon sun to dry the vine's leaves and prevent disease or mold from forming.

Temperature And Humidity 

Variegated vinca prefers moderate climates. This plant benefits from high humidity and partial shade. Planting near a wall can help shelter the plant from colder weather, but it can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 40 degrees F.  

Fertilizer

Because variegated vincas are an aggressively growing plant, fertilization is unnecessary. But the plant benefits from a balanced, water-soluble 10-10-10 option, which contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 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. Here are some varieties of vinca to know:

• 'Greater Periwinkle' (Vinca major): An evergreen perennial often used for ground cover. This invasive plant produces flowers that spread two inches across and glossy dark green foliage. 
• 'Common Periwinkle' (Vinca minor): A smaller periwinkle variety, this plant is less invasive and has several cultivar varieties. This plant produces white or purple blooms.
• 'Madagascar Periwinkle' (Vinca rosea or Catharanthus roseus): This variety contains several cultivars with vines whose blooms resemble impatiens.

Pruning

Prune variegated vinca by pinching off wilted or spent flowers. Pinching will help encourage blooming and reduce unwanted seed production, but deadheading, or snipping off dead or spent flowers' stems, is unnecessary. Pruning at any time during the growing season helps prevent plants from getting too leggy, or stringy, and helps maintain an attractive shape and size. Removing some growth also allows for better air circulation and increases sun exposure, which helps prevent diseases. 

Propagating Variegated Vinca

Propagating your variegated vinca is an easy and cheap way to expand your garden or ground cover. It's best to do so in early spring or summer when the frost has ended. There are several methods to propagate this plant, like planting cuttings. Here's how:

1. Select a healthy stem at least 4 to 6 inches long with no flowers. Remove the bottom leaves. 
2. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone to promote new growth. 
3. Root the stem in a container filled with a combination of moist potting mix, peat moss, and perlite. Cover the stem with soil, so the entire cut section is under the top soil line. 
4. Cover the container with a plastic bag to encourage humidity. Place the container in indirect light, and moisten the soil with a spray bottle. 
5. In two to three weeks, after roots form, transplant the new growth into its final location.

How To Grow Variegated Vinca From Seed

If you want to grow variegated vincas from seed instead of propagation, try starting indoors before moving your plant outside or to a potted plant. Here's how:

1. Collect seeds from seed pods to dry about 12 to 15 weeks before the last frost. Save the seeds in a dry, dark place over the winter before sowing them in the spring.
2. Start seeds by lightly covering them with seed-starting formula soil. Keep the temperature of the tray around 75 degrees F.
3. Maintain moist soil and warm temperatures for seven to 21 days. After seedlings emerge, transplant the new growth into a container and gradually expose it to colder temperatures in the spring. 
4. When it's time to plant your plants outside, make sure each is at least 12 inches apart.

Overwintering

Depending on your climate, variegated vinca can remain outside during the winter, or be brought inside for colder regions. If you leave it outside, before the first frost, cover the area where the plant grows with a 3-or-4-inch layer of organic mulch. 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 Pests And Plant Diseases 

Variegated vinca is susceptible to diseases and pests, especially when growing in environments without optimal care conditions. Common problems include bugs like aphids, spider mites, scales, and whiteflies. These pests are treatable with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

Diseases like Phytophthora blight and leaf spots commonly 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.

Common Problems With Variegated Vinca

Variegated vincas are an easy-to-maintain, hardy ground cover that vines and grows quickly. However, it can face issues if it's not getting the correct nutrients in its soil or if it's receiving too much water. Resolve these problems with a balanced fertilizer and maintaining a regular watering schedule.

Curling Leaves

If the soil lacks the proper nutrients or variegated vinca is overwatered, the foliage will appear discolored and dramatically curled. 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 yellow because of an iron deficiency. Iron is typically lacking in alkaline soil, so amend it with a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, iron, and sulfur. 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.