Species lesser periwinkle
violet flowers with lime-green foliage and brown stems

lesser periwinkle

Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata'

Also Known As - creeping myrtle
The lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata') is a beautiful flowering perennial that has arching stems covered in variegated, medium green and thick, silver-y white leaves. It blooms in late spring and summer with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in various shades of blue and violet. This fast-growing evergreen is perfect for creating a dense, carpet-like ground-cover or for trailing up walls and over banks in a sunny to partially shaded spot. With its attractive foliage and vibrant bloom colors, the lesser periwinkle is sure to add beauty to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender blue Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Filtered shade, Full sun

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

blue,black Fruits In Spring Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green,cream,white

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata') prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered deeply and regularly. The soil should be kept evenly moist, not soggy, during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is slightly dry, to keep the soil evenly moist. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings but do not let it dry out completely. Water at the base of the plant to prevent disease. Water the plant less often in the winter, as the plant is not actively growing.

sunlight

Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata') does best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full sun for most of the day, as long as it is given some protection from midday heat and humidity. During the summer months, the plant should be given at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight per day, with a few hours of indirect sunlight or full shade throughout the rest of the day. In cooler climates, where direct sunlight is limited, the Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata' can tolerate partial shade. It will become weak and elongated in too much shade, so the ideal amount of light should be 4-6 hours of partial sun per day with some protection from afternoon heat.

pruning

Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata') is a fast-growing, evergreen, perennial flowering plant suited for sunny to lightly shaded areas. To promote fullness and for dense, compact growth, it should be pruned once a year in late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished flowering. It is necessary to remove any dead, dead-looking, or weak stems from the plant before pruning. At this time, prune several stems at the base of the plant to promote fresh growth and to keep the shrub looking full and vibrant. For larger plants, prune further up on the stems to control height and shape. It is important not to over-prune, as this can deplete the plant of its flowering potential.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata' typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map