The question of whether bees like vinca is common among gardeners seeking to support local pollinator populations. This confusion arises because the name “vinca” is widely used for two entirely different plants with distinct biological structures. The answer depends completely on which variety is planted, as their value as a nectar and pollen source varies drastically. Clarifying the identity of the plant is the first step in assessing its benefit to honey bees and native solitary species.
Understanding the Two Types of Vinca
The plant most commonly sold as annual vinca is Catharanthus roseus, or Madagascar Periwinkle. This variety is a tender tropical perennial, but it is treated as an annual bedding plant in most temperate climates. It is prized for its ability to thrive in full sun and high heat, blooming continuously from summer until the first frost.
The second group is the perennial groundcover vinca, belonging to the true Vinca genus, including Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) and Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle). These are evergreen vines that spread low across the ground, typically planted in shady or partially shaded locations. Though the flowers appear similar, their internal anatomy and accessibility to insects are quite different.
Bee Interaction with Annual Vinca Varieties
The annual vinca, Catharanthus roseus, presents a significant challenge to most common types of bees due to its floral morphology. The flower forms a long, slender corolla tube, which can measure up to an inch or more in length. Nectar is stored deep within the base of this tube, making it inaccessible to insects with shorter mouthparts.
Common short-tongued foragers, such as the honey bee or many native solitary bees, are physically unable to reach the reward. They may land on the flower, but they cannot effectively forage for nectar. Modern horticultural breeding has also focused on traits like bloom size and color, which sometimes results in nectar that is less concentrated than in wild varieties.
This plant is primarily pollinated by insects with specialized, long proboscises, such as butterflies and hawkmoths. These long-tongued visitors can easily reach the nectar. While Catharanthus roseus may still attract some pollinators, a garden focused on supporting a diversity of bee species should not rely on it as a main forage item.
Bee Interaction with Perennial Groundcover Vinca
The perennial varieties, Vinca minor and Vinca major, are often highly valued by beekeepers and pollinator enthusiasts, offering a stark contrast to their annual namesake. These species are considered an important source of early-season nutrition. The flowers of perennial vinca appear early in the spring, typically from late March through May, which is a period when few other flowering resources are available.
The flower structure of Vinca minor is more open and accessible than the annual type. Its nectar and pollen are readily available to a wide range of foraging insects. The timing of the bloom is particularly beneficial for emerging native bees, such as Mason bees, and for bumblebee queens that are establishing new colonies.
The pollen and nectar provided by the groundcover periwinkles offer a crucial early caloric and protein boost for these insects. Planting perennial vinca in shady garden areas provides a reliable, low-maintenance food source at a time when the insects need it most to fuel their reproductive cycles and colony growth. The combination of early bloom time and accessible flower structure makes Vinca minor a beneficial addition to a pollinator garden.