General Culture:
Reliably winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9. In the St. Louis area, it may not survive harsh winters even if grown in a protected location, and may be best utilized as an annual for pots, baskets and containers. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants prefers moist, humusy soils in part shade, but tolerate close to full shade. Space 8” apart for quick cover of smaller areas. Space 12-18” apart to cover large areas.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Vinca major (sometimes commonly called large periwinkle, greater periwinkle or blue buttons) is an evergreen, prostrate, mat-forming plant with long trailing stems that is widely used as a ground cover and container plant. North of USDA Zone 7, it is more commonly used as a container plant. ‘Wojo’s Gem’ is noted for its variegated leaves that feature large, creamy yellow-white centers edged with deep green. Leaves (to 3” long) are ovate to lanceolate. Tubular, phlox-like, violet blue flowers (to 2” across) bloom in the leaf axils in spring, and usually continue to bloom intermittently throughout the summer into autumn. Trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. Dense foliage mound may grow up to 14” tall. This cultivar is currently being sold as both ‘Wojo’s Gem’ and ‘Wojo’s Jem’.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. In southern climates where winter hardiness is not a problem, plants can spread somewhat aggressively into adjacent lawns or garden areas.
Uses:
Variegated foliage adds excellent color and contrast to hanging baskets, window boxes and containers. Versatile ground cover for shady areas. Good cover for bulbs. Effective on slopes or banks to stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Trailing stems may be cascaded over stone walls.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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