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variegated vinca

Variegated vinca is a standout in New Zealand gardens, loved for its bold foliage and versatile groundcover capabilities. With trailing stems adorned in cream, white, or yellow-edged leaves, variegated vinca creates a lush, lightened carpet in shady spots, under trees, or when spilling over walls. Its charming lavender-blue flowers add extra appeal in spring and summer, making it a top choice for both beginner and expert gardeners looking to brighten dark corners or cover bare patches. If you’re seeking a hardy, low-maintenance solution for your landscape, variegated vinca deserves a spot on your list.

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Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor Blue is a variety of the commonly known, Periwinkle, features bright green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the ground. Single, blue flowers adorn the plant through spring as it grows to about 20 cm tall and 1 m wide. Vinca minor Blue is commonly used where a hardy groundcover is required.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Vinca Elizabeth Cran

5 from 1 customers

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the ground. Semi-double, purple flowers adorn the plant in spring as it grows to about 10 cm tall and 1 m wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
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Senecio rowleyanus variegata (Variegated String of Pearls) with trailing foliage growing in a pot.
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Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aeonium, Chlorophytum, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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Why Choose Variegated Vinca for Your Garden

Variegated vinca, also known as periwinkle, climbs the ranks among New Zealand groundcover plants for good reason. Its distinctive, patterned leaves provide year-round colour contrast, especially in areas where green-on-green plantings may fade into the background. This resilient perennial adapts well to a wide range of soil types and tolerates drought once established, making it a reliable and fuss-free choice.

Beyond its good looks, variegated vinca is excellent for erosion control on banks and slopes. Its vigorously spreading stems root as they grow, helping to hold soil in place and suppress weeds naturally. In addition, the plant is largely unbothered by pests and diseases, ensuring long-term beauty without the use of harsh chemicals.

Varieties of Variegated Vinca

New Zealand gardeners can choose from several stunning variegated vinca varieties, each with unique appeal. One popular option is Vinca major Variegata (Greater Periwinkle Plant). This variety features large, creamy-edged leaves and produces sizable violet-blue flowers, making it perfect for covering larger areas.

For a more petite groundcover, consider Vinca minor Argenteovariegata. This smaller form boasts delicately veined foliage with silvery-white margins, ideal for edging pathways or brightening mixed borders. Another eye-catching choice is Vinca minor Illumination, which has golden-yellow centers surrounded by green edges—perfect for adding pops of colour to shaded spots.

Browse even more options by exploring Vinca major, the classic green-leafed type, or the abundant blooms of Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle).

Where to Plant Variegated Vinca

Variegated vinca thrives in partial to full shade, but will also tolerate some sun if the soil stays moist. It excels under trees, along driveways, banks, or woodland gardens where other groundcovers might struggle. Thanks to its spreading habit, give your variegated vinca plenty of room to roam. It’s also well-suited for trailing from containers and hanging baskets for a cascading effect.

Care and Maintenance

Looking after variegated vinca is simple. Plant it in well-drained soil, water regularly to get it established, then sit back and enjoy its effortless beauty. Occasional trimming will help contain its spread and encourage fuller growth. Remove any reverted green shoots to maintain vivid variegation throughout your patch.

If you want to lift your garden design with a tough yet striking low-maintenance plant, explore the range of variegated vinca options available—perfect for almost any New Zealand landscape.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardeners love Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Feijoa 'Apollo', Cornus alba 'Sibirica', and Nerium 'Madonna'.
–The Plant Company

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