Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Vinca major ‘Maculata’
Greater Periwinkle
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches tall
- Width
- Spreads vigorously via runners to form dense mats
- Flower color
- Purple-blue
- Foliage color
- Dark green with creamy white variegation
- Bloom time
- Spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune to control spread and remove old foliage
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- The flowers attract bees and butterflies
About this plant
Vinca major 'Maculata', commonly known as greater periwinkle, is a vigorous perennial prized for its glossy, variegated foliage and attractive blue-violet flowers, which bloom from spring to early summer and attract bees and butterflies. Native to Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, this cultivar of Vinca major is valued for its trailing habit, making it popular for ground cover in gardens and landscapes. It forms dense mats of evergreen foliage in mild climates, with leaves that are oval to lance-shaped and variegated with creamy-white margins.
Well-suited for borders, rock gardens, and containers, 'Maculata' thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little pruning or grooming to maintain its attractive appearance, and is ideal for gardeners seeking a vibrant and easy-to-grow plant.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Acorus · Skimmias · Astilbes · Blechnums · Carexes · Heucheras
Design tip
Use the variegated foliage to brighten shaded spaces while connecting larger shrubs and woodland perennials with a continuous carpet of color. Contrast the light leaf margins with darker evergreen foliage to create depth and lasting visual interest throughout the year.
