Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata')

Overview

Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’, commonly known as Lesser periwinkle, is highly valued by gardeners for its vigorous, mat-forming habit and attractive foliage. This cultivar features rich, dark green leaves sharply edged with creamy white variegation, adding bright contrast to shaded landscapes where other plants struggle. As an evergreen ground cover, it ensures winter structure and provides a carpet of color when it bursts into bloom.

The trailing stems of Lesser periwinkle readily root at their nodes, allowing Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ to spread quickly and firmly anchor challenging slopes or large garden beds. Its resilience makes it an excellent, low-maintenance choice for covering bare ground swiftly. The resulting textural ground cover is accented by lovely violet-blue flowers appearing primarily in late spring.

Functionally, this plant excels in difficult spots, tolerating dry soil conditions once established while suppressing weeds effectively. Whether used to stabilize banks or simply provide year-round interest, Lesser periwinkle is a dependable workhorse in the landscape palette.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Apocynaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1.5 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

For best results, plant Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ in average, well-drained soil. While it adapts well to full sun, it truly shines in partial shade, though it tolerates very heavy shade. Planting density is key to coverage: use 8-inch spacing for fast coverage in smaller areas, or widen spacing to 12–18 inches for larger landscape applications.

Water requirements are moderate; establish the plants with consistent moisture, but established Lesser periwinkle displays excellent drought tolerance. Fertilization is usually unnecessary as the plant thrives in average conditions. Pruning is rarely needed unless growth needs to be contained; simply trim back any overly aggressive runners if they invade unwanted areas.

This evergreen perennial requires minimal seasonal attention. In early spring, you can tidy up any dead or damaged foliage, though usually, the plant remains tidy year-round. Be aware that Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ can spread aggressively, so plan its placement near areas where containment against lawns is necessary.

Landscape Uses

Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ is renowned as a versatile ground cover, particularly effective beneath mature trees or in deep shade where turf struggles. Its dense, trailing habit makes it highly effective on slopes and banks, providing superb soil stabilization and erosion control. The bright, variegated foliage offers year-round visual appeal when used as a foundational layer.

This periwinkle works beautifully tucked under spring-flowering bulbs, whose foliage remains hidden beneath the dense canopy of the Lesser periwinkle as they go dormant. It also serves as an excellent, neat transition planting between structured borders and woodland edges. Pair it with other shade lovers like Hostas or ferns to emphasize its low-growing profile and variegated texture.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Vinca minor commonly know as vinca or periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5” long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. Tubular, lavender blue, phlox-like flowers (to 1 inch across) appear in the leaf axils in spring and continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall. Foliage will mound up to 6” tall. Also commonly called dwarf periwinkle and creeping myrtle.Genus name is from Latin meaning to bind or wind around in reference to the long, flexible stems that were used in wreath making.Specific epithet means smaller. The leaves of Vinca minor are smaller than those of Vinca major.‘Argenteovariegata’ is named for its dark green leaves with irregular creamy white margins. It is a mat forming, low growing perennial that will have violet blue flowers in spring and then rebloom occasionally throughout the growing season. It grows 0.25 to 0.5 ft. Tall and 0.5 to 1.5 ft. Wide. ‘Argenteovariegata’ is also known as Vinca minor ‘Variegata’ and Vinca minor ‘Alba Aureavariegata’. It received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

While Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ is generally robust against pests, gardeners should be aware of vinca stem canker, a fungal blight that can severely damage or even kill established patches. This disease thrives in overly wet conditions or poor air circulation; ensure sites have good drainage to mitigate risk. Aggressive spreading is another management concern; consistently check borders where the Lesser periwinkle meets lawns or nearby flower beds to prevent unwanted encroachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lesser periwinkle suitable for?

Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ is hardy and reliably grows across USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ grow?

This ground cover typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, spreading horizontally from 0.5 to 1.5 feet wide.

When does Lesser periwinkle bloom?

The primary bloom time for this perennial is May to June, displaying distinct violet-blue flowers, with intermittent flowering sometimes occurring later in the season.

What sun exposure does Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ need?

This plant performs well in a range extending from full sun conditions down through significant partial shade, making it highly adaptable.

Conclusion

Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ offers exceptional value as a durable, evergreen ground cover distinguished by its stunning silver-edged foliage. The Lesser periwinkle provides vital textural interest year-round while actively combating erosion on slopes. Before planting, confirm that your intended site falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and has sufficient drainage for optimal, long-term performance.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for your Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’, focus on plants that share its preference for dry to medium moisture levels and thrive in similar light conditions, ranging from full sun to deep shade. Shade-tolerant ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns, provide a beautiful textural contrast to the fine, evergreen leaves of the periwinkle. Consider planting woodland bulbs like snowdrops or miniature daffodils beneath the canopy; the Vinca minor will grow over their fading foliage in the spring. For larger structure nearby, hostas or astilbes that enjoy part shade make excellent neighbors, allowing the variegated ground cover to form a vibrant living mulch layer beneath them.

Propagation Tips

Propagating this Lesser periwinkle is extremely straightforward due to its natural growth habit. Vinca minor ‘Argenteovariegata’ spreads primarily by rooting along its trailing stems, known as layering. To create new plants, simply take cuttings that include a few nodes (the spots where leaves emerge). These cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long. Plant these cuttings directly into moist, well-draining soil in a nursery bed or pot, ensuring at least one node is buried. Keep the area consistently moist until roots develop, which usually happens quickly, allowing you to transplant vigorous new clumps the following season.