Phoma exigua var. inoxydabilis var. nov. predominated among fungal isolates obtained from diseased stem runners and leaves of periwinkle ( Vinca minor). The growth of the fungus was observed at temperature ranges from 7.5 to 30°C with optimum at 25°C. Abundant formation of picnidia was noticed mainly on malt extract agar at temp. I 5-25°C. On potato-dextrose agar picnidia were observed 3-5 days later. On inoculated leaves of periwinkle, development of necrosis was observed at temperature I0-25°C with optimum 20°C. On field grown periwinkle the first necrosis on the base of stem runners was observed 2 weeks after inoculation and during the next I O weeks discoloration of tissues occurred on about 1/2 of their length.