Vinca major Variegata

Vinca major 'Variegata', also known as variegated greater periwinkle, is a vigorous and hardy perennial groundcover. Its long stems quickly develop to form a thick ground cover that adapts to all types of soil, whether in shade or in the sun. Its beautiful evergreen foliage is glossy and variegated. With its beautiful light green leaves edged with cream white, it brightens up the undergrowth and provides a backdrop for the numerous blue flowers that appear in spring. Perfect for spreading under trees, bushes, or even around large perennials, and for covering bare soil. It also thrives in containers, providing coverage all year round.

The variegated greater periwinkle is a creeping perennial belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It has long, woody stems that root at the base. This means that they remain lying on the ground and produce adventitious roots. This characteristic allows it to colonise the surrounding area, covering an area larger than one square metre if not contained. Its stems are covered with oval, acuminate leaves of a beautiful shiny light green colour edged with cream white. They are tough, evergreen, and, along with the tangle of stems, form a thick carpet 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) high. Above this carpet, pretty flowers in shades of blue and purple appear distinctly in spring. They consist of five fused lobes forming an obliquely truncate corolla, which is wider at the top, and measures 4cm (2in) in diameter.

Vinca major 'Variegata' is particularly suitable for easily establishing itself in areas that are not favoured by other perennials and are often left bare. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought and poor soil. Whether at the base of a poorly exposed wall, on an embankment, or under a hedge, it will find nourishment and thrive while providing you with decorative and vibrant vegetation. In hanging baskets or containers, it will bring life to the surroundings with its evergreen "liana" leaves and vibrant colours.