Greater periwinkle (Vinca major 'Wojo's Gem')

Overview

Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is a highly valued evergreen, prostrate perennial prized primarily for its visually striking, variegated foliage. The creamy yellow-white centers contrasted against deep green margins provide excellent year-round color and brightness, setting it apart from standard green groundcovers. This cultivar, commonly known as variegated Greater periwinkle, forms dense, matting trails perfect for stabilizing slopes or cascading over retaining walls.

While it offers beautiful violet-blue spring blooms, the primary feature remains its ability to cover ground efficiently in areas where other plants struggle. Culturally, Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is adaptable, thriving in average, dry to medium soils, though it prefers richer, moister conditions when available. Gardeners should utilize the assertive rooting nature of this plant carefully, as it can spread aggressively once established, particularly in mild winter climates.

For those seeking reliable, low-growing coverage with excellent aesthetic appeal, this Greater periwinkle is an outstanding choice, offering drought resistance and deer tolerance. Use it strategically as a container spiller where its spread can be maintained, or in contained landscape areas where its mat-forming habit can suppress competitive weeds.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Apocynaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Violet blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is best achieved in average, well-drained soils. Although it tolerates close to full shade, locating it in full sun to light part shade will maximize leaf variegation and flower production. For quick coverage of smaller areas, space starter plants approximately 8 inches apart; for slower establishment over larger spaces, aim for 12 to 18 inches between plants.

Once established, this Greater periwinkle generally requires little supplemental watering due to its drought tolerance. If planting in a spot that tends toward dry soil, water consistently during the first year to help root development. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the foundational soil is adequate, fitting its nature as a tough groundcover. Prune minimally, primarily to maintain desired boundaries or to trim back overly aggressive stems.

Be aware that the stems of Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ root readily wherever they touch the soil, leading to aggressive spreading. In areas north of Zone 7, it is often safer to treat it as an annual container plant where spread is entirely controlled. Always check local regulations, as this ground cover can be considered invasive in some regions due to its persistent nature.

Landscape Uses

Greater periwinkle excels as a versatile ground cover in shady or partly sunny areas where its thick foliage shuts down weed competition effectively. It is highly recommended for stabilizing slopes and banks, where its extensive rooting at the nodes helps prevent soil erosion year-round. The trailing stems of Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ are excellent for softening the edges of hardscape features, cascading beautifully over stone walls or out of containers.

Beyond its ground-hugging capabilities, this variegated perennial is an excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Here, the bright margins of the foliage offer superior color contrast against darker flowers or foliage companions. When planting outdoors, consider pairing it with spring bulbs; the foliage effectively covers the fading bulb leaves after blooming concludes.

For areas truly challenging to plant, such as deep shade areas that experience dry soil, this cultivar remains a reliable performer. Always maintain vigilance if planting directly into the landscape border; use physical barriers or monitor growth annually to prevent encroachment into lawns or undesirable areas.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Vinca major, commonly called greater periwinkle, is an evergreen, prostrate perennial known for its long trailing stems that readily root where they contact the ground. The foliage of this cultivar, Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’, is especially noteworthy, featuring large, creamy yellow-white centers sharply edged with deep green. Solitary, pale violet-blue flowers appear in spring and often continue blooming sporadically into the fall, adding seasonal interest to the evergreen display.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Potential insect issues are generally limited, though aphids and nematodes can occasionally cause problems. Disease susceptibility includes root rot, leaf spot, and blight, often exacerbated by overly wet conditions or poor air circulation. The most significant concern with Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is its potential to spread aggressively, especially in warmer sections of its range (south of Zone 7). To manage spread, limit its use to contained spots or containers north of Zone 7, and always verify local invasive restrictions before large-scale planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Greater periwinkle suitable for?

Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is reliably winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9.

How large does Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, spreading horizontally from 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ need?

It performs well in conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, though variegated color is best maintained with some protection from the harshest afternoon sun.

When does Greater periwinkle bloom?

The plant generally produces its violet-blue blooms beginning in May and continuing through June, with intermittent flowering sometimes occurring later in the season.

Conclusion

Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ offers reliable, robust ground coverage paired with outstanding variegated foliage that brightens any shady corner. This resilient Greater periwinkle handles drought and deer well, proving its value across hardiness zones 7-9. Before planting, carefully consider the site conditions and your desire for long-term ground suppression to ensure this vigorous spreader aligns with your garden goals.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’, focus on plants that appreciate similar partial shade conditions or those that benefit from the striking contrast of its variegation. Shade-loving ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns, offer contrasting textures without competing aggressively for root space. Hostas, particularly those with blue or deep green foliage, create a pleasing foundation layer beneath taller shrubs where the periwinkle is used as an underplanting.

For seasonal color, consider ephemeral spring bloomers like woodland phlox or bleeding hearts, whose above-ground growth fades by summer, leaving the evergreen Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ to take over the ground plane as temperatures rise. Ensure companions are not overly thirsty, as this plant prefers dry to medium soil moisture levels once established.

Design Ideas for Variegated Groundcover

Utilize the trailing habit of Vinca major ‘Wojo’s Gem’ to break up hardscape lines effectively. Place it at the top of dry-stack stone walls allowing the variegated stems to cascade down, drawing the eye along the structure. In highly visible entrance areas, planting this cultivar in large, formal containers ensures its vibrant leaves are appreciated up close, preventing its aggressive spread into surrounding beds.

The light coloring provides an excellent visual anchor in deep shade gardens where colors can otherwise become muted. Use it as a living mulch under large specimen trees where root competition makes traditional turf grass impossible. Remember that utilizing this plant as an Annual outside of Zone 7 keeps its vigor neatly contained to the season’s display.