Overview
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is a popular ornamental plant cultivated for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. This plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which also includes milkweeds, oleanders, and dogbanes.
Origin
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is native to Europe, including North Africa and western Asia. It is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world and has become naturalized in many areas.
Common Names
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. has several common names, including greater periwinkle, bigleaf periwinkle, large periwinkle, blue periwinkle, and variegated periwinkle. In some regions, it is also known as myrtle, but it should not be confused with the true myrtle (Myrtus communis).
Uses
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant contains alkaloids, including vincamine and vinpocetine, which have been shown to improve blood circulation and cognitive function. It has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including high blood pressure, asthma, and menstrual problems. Additionally, the plant is used as a ground cover in landscaping and is popular for its ability to suppress weeds and thrive in challenging environments.
General Appearance
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is an evergreen perennial plant with trailing stems that can grow up to 1 meter long. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and ovate in shape, with creamy-white margins that often turn pinkish in cold weather. The flowers are blue-purple and grouped in terminal clusters. They bloom from spring to summer and are fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. thrive in a lot of bright, indirect sunlight and can also tolerate some direct sunlight. Ideally, the plant should receive at least six hours of light every day. Lack of sunlight may lead to poor growth and decreased variegation.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The plant does not tolerate extreme temperature changes, including freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90°F (32°C). It is essential to position the plant in an area with stable temperatures to achieve optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. should be well-draining, consisting of a mixture of sand and loam. The pH level of the soil should be moderately acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, preventing root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. can be cultivated in either full sun or partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can also be grown in containers. It is hardy down to USDA zone 7, which covers most of the southeastern United States.
Watering Needs
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. needs regular watering, especially during prolonged dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root damage and lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and blooming. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. benefits from occasional pruning to control its growth and encourage bushiness. Pruning can be done in early spring before new growth appears, or in late summer after blooming has finished. It is important to cut back to just above a leaf node, to encourage new growth from that point.
Propagation of Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud.
Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud., commonly known as variegated bigleaf periwinkle, is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. Propagation of Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is easy and can be done through different methods.
Propagation by stem cuttings
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is through stem cuttings. This method is usually done during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Take stem cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long and have 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they have rooted.
Propagation by layering
Layering is another method of propagating Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. This method involves bending a low-growing stem down to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil or compost. The covered portion will develop roots, and once it does, it can be separated from the parent plant and potted. This method is best done during the spring or summer when the plant is growing vigorously.
Propagation by division
Dividing an established Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. plant is another way to propagate it. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Gently dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure that each section has sufficient roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, water them well, and provide them with adequate light and warmth.
Overall, Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through stem cuttings, layering, and division. With proper care and attention, the newly propagated plants will grow and thrive, providing a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
The plant Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Crown rot: This fungal disease is caused by the Phytophthora parasitica fungus and can affect the entire plant. The leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the stems become blackened and rot. To manage crown rot, you need to remove the affected parts of the plant and improve the drainage of the soil.
- Mildew: Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is prone to powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungus. The leaves and stems develop a powdery white coating, which can cause the plant to weaken and die. To manage mildew, remove affected plant parts and dispose of them. Increase air circulation around the plant by pruning to allow light to penetrate the center of the plant. Additionally, avoid watering the plant's foliage, reducing relative humidity, and increasing ventilation.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides fungus. It causes black spots to appear on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, remove affected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, you can employ a fungicide that contains copper, mancozeb, or thiophanate-methyl.
- Southern blight: This fungal disease is caused by the Sclerotium rolfsii fungus and appears as yellowing and wilting of leaves. The fungus causes the roots and stems to rot and become sunken and brown. To manage southern blight, remove and dispose of affected plant parts, improve soil drainage, and avoid overcrowding of the plants. Additionally, you can soil fumigate with methyl bromide, chloropicrin, or metam sodium.
Pest Management
The plant Vinca major L. var. variegata Loud. is prone to several pests, including:
- Mealybugs: These insects form cotton-like masses on the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove and dispose of infested plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, remove the affected plant parts and spray the plant with water twice a day, increasing the humidity level of the plant.
- Scale insects: These insects produce a powdery substance on the leaf surfaces and stems of the plant. They cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can be challenging to manage. To manage scale insects, prune affected plant parts, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, and use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to remove the scales.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage snails and slugs, remove debris from around the plant, remove and dispose of affected plant parts, apply diatomaceous earth around the plant, and place a beer trap near the plant's base.
Regular inspection of the plant, removal of weeds, and maintaining proper hygiene can help reduce the likelihood of disease and pest attacks. Proper cultural practices such as watering less frequently, avoiding any overfertilizing, and maintaining appropriate air circulation are essential to make the plant healthier and less vulnerable. The use of chemical pesticides should be the last resort. If the infestation is too intense, consult a plant health specialist.
