What hardiness zones is Vinca major 'Variegata' suitable for?

Vinca major 'Variegata' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

What are the sun requirements for Vinca major 'Variegata'?

Vinca major 'Variegata' requires Part Shade.

How much water does Vinca major 'Variegata' need?

Vinca major 'Variegata' has Medium water needs.

Vines & Groundcovers

Vinca major 'Variegata'

variegated vinca major

Apocynaceae

Cultivar; parent species native to western Mediterranean, southern Europe, North Africa

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitTrailing

FoliageEvergreen

Height6-12 inches (15-30 cm)

Width18-36 inches (45-90 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 11

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

Zone 11

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Vinca major 'Variegata' is a trailing evergreen groundcover with arching stems reaching 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and spreading 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) wide per season. Leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long, with a dark green center and irregular cream to pale yellow margins; leaf edge width varies from a narrow line to broad sectors occupying one-third or more of the blade. Stems root at nodes where they contact soil, though 'Variegata' spreads somewhat less rapidly than the all-green species. Solitary tubular-flared flowers, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, appear in leaf axils from March through May with sporadic repeat bloom; flowers are blue-violet. The variegated foliage is less vigorous than the species and may revert to all-green in some conditions; remove all-green stems promptly to maintain the variegated character. Like V. major, this cultivar is listed as invasive in California, Oregon, and other western states and should not be planted near natural areas. All plant parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

This cultivar has no native range. The species, Vinca major, is native to the western Mediterranean region including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and North Africa.

Suggested Uses

Used as a groundcover in partially shaded borders, under trees, or in areas where the cream-and-green foliage provides visual contrast to darker surrounding plants. Commonly grown in hanging baskets and containers where the trailing stems display the variegated foliage. Not recommended near wildlands, natural areas, or riparian corridors in states where V. major is listed as invasive.

How to Identify

'Variegata' is distinguished from the species by leaves with cream to pale yellow irregular margins contrasting against the dark green leaf center. Leaf size matches the species at 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long. Flowers are blue-violet, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. Stems with all-green leaves indicate reversion and should be removed to maintain variegation. Stems are rounder and slightly hairy at the nodes.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

violet

Foliage Colors

dark green

cream

yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring

Primary bloom occurs March through May in zones 7–9. Sporadic secondary bloom continues through summer and into fall. In zones 9–10, bloom may begin in February. 'Variegata' flowers at the same time as the species; individual flowers last 3–5 days and the spring flush extends 6–8 weeks. Flowering may be slightly reduced compared to the all-green species due to lower chlorophyll content in variegated leaves.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

blue-violet

Foliage Description

dark green center with irregular cream to pale yellow margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Space transplants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart; 'Variegata' establishes more slowly than the species and may take 2–3 seasons to form a dense mat. Water weekly for the first two growing seasons. Established plants tolerate moderate drought but produce fewer flowers under prolonged dry conditions. Remove all-green reverting stems at the base as soon as observed to prevent them from overtaking the variegated portions. Fertilize lightly once in early spring; excessive nitrogen reduces variegation contrast. Shear plants to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Pruning

Shear or mow plants to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to rejuvenate the planting. Remove all-green reverting stems at any time of year by cutting them to the base. Cut back stems that extend beyond planting boundaries at any time during the growing season. Full renovation by cutting all stems to the ground can be performed in early spring; new shoots emerge within 3–4 weeks.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans