How to Grow Variegated Periwinkle? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods

Variegated periwinkle, also known as variegated ivy, is a variety of Vinca major in the genus Vinca of the family Apocynaceae. It is distributed in Jiangsu and other places in mainland China. Its dwarf branches grow prostrate and trailing, reaching more than 2 m in length. The leaves are elliptical and opposite, with petioles, white leaf margins and yellow-white spots. Let us take a look at the cultivation methods for variegated periwinkle!

Growth Habits of Variegated Periwinkle

Variegated periwinkle prefers light and tolerates shade, and it is also tolerant of low temperatures. Under a temperature of -7°C, it shows no frost damage even when planted in the open field. It is evergreen all year round. The tillering vines and the violet-blue small flowers that bloom in March cover the ground like a flower-studded green carpet, creating a very spectacular scene. It is a relatively ideal ground-cover material valued for both foliage and flowers. It has strong adaptability, is not demanding about soil, and grows quickly.

Propagation Methods for Variegated Periwinkle

1. Division: Division propagation is best carried out in spring. At this time, cut off the old branches from the previous year, dig out the plants and separate them, replant them separately, and water thoroughly.

2. Cuttage: Cuttage propagation can be carried out throughout the year. Use perlite, vermiculite or sand with good water retention as the cutting medium. Cuttings in autumn and winter should be done in a greenhouse or cold frame. In winter, using an electrically heated hotbed in a greenhouse gives a higher rooting rate.

Cultivation Methods for Variegated Periwinkle

1. Soil: Variegated periwinkle prefers relatively fertile, moist soil. Cultivation requires loose sandy loam rich in humus. For pot culture, a mixture of leaf mold soil and river sand can be used as the substrate.

2. Pinching: Multiple plants can be planted in each pot at the same time and pinched back in a timely manner, allowing rapid shaping. To promote more branching, pinching can be carried out several times during the growing season. Mounding soil at the nodes can encourage more adventitious roots and promote vine growth.

3. Watering: Variegated periwinkle should be watered during dry weather, and drainage should be noted during the rainy season. During the growing period, water fully to keep the potting soil moist. At the same time, apply liquid fertilizer 1 to 3 times a month to ensure rapid vine growth and glossy, deep green leaf color.

4. Light: Variegated periwinkle is suitable for a bright light environment, but in midsummer, avoid direct strong light to prevent scorching the leaves. Proper shading is necessary, and a semi-shaded environment is best.

5. Temperature: Although variegated periwinkle prefers warmth during growth, it is also cold-resistant. In winter, it can tolerate low temperatures of around 0°C, and it can maintain perfect color all year round except in severe cold.

6. Diseases: Common diseases of variegated periwinkle include fusarium wilt, canker and leaf spot. They can be controlled by spraying equal-strength Bordeaux mixture.

7. Pests: Pests of variegated periwinkle include scale insects and root-knot nematodes. For scale insects, spray with 25% phosmet emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution. For root-knot nematodes, use 3% carbofuran granules for control.