Vinca, often called periwinkle, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and attractive groundcover or trailing plant. Appreciated for its dense foliage and charming flowers, Vinca creates a lush carpet of green, offering visual appeal while suppressing weeds.
Vinca Plant Overview
Vinca plants are broadleaf evergreens, forming a dense mat through their creeping, spreading habit. Their glossy leaves range from dark green to variegated forms, and flowers commonly appear in shades of violet-purple, blue, or white, often with five petals. Two widely cultivated species are Vinca minor (dwarf periwinkle) and Vinca major (bigleaf periwinkle).
Vinca minor, also known as common periwinkle, is a smaller plant, typically growing 3 to 6 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches. Its leaves are smaller, narrower, and lance-shaped, with flowers usually 2 to 3 cm in diameter. In contrast, Vinca major is a larger, more vigorous plant, reaching heights of to 35 inches. It features broader, heart-shaped leaves up to 9 cm long, and its flowers are notably larger, often twice the size of Vinca minor blooms.
Planting Vinca
Optimal planting times for Vinca are spring or fall. Site selection is important; Vinca thrives in well-drained soil and adapts to various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial shade is preferred to protect foliage from intense afternoon sun.
Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage. For groundcover, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to promote a dense mat. After planting, water thoroughly to establish roots and settle the soil.
Caring for Vinca
Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot weather, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. While Vinca tolerates various light conditions, partial shade is ideal for best growth and flowering, especially in warmer regions.
Vinca is not a heavy feeder, meaning it can grow well without extensive fertilization in fertile soil. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 blend) can be applied sparingly in early spring and mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to abundant foliage at the expense of blooms.
Regular pruning maintains shape and controls spread, especially for vigorous varieties. Trim overgrown or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Mulch around the plant’s base with a 2-3 inch layer to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, though care should be taken not to cover stems.
Propagating Vinca
Vinca plants can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems 4 to 6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, removing leaves from the lower half. Rooting hormone is optional but can enhance root development.
Plant cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss and perlite, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light, covering it with a plastic bag to create humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks. For division, separate mature plants in spring or fall. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into several clumps, each with healthy roots and stems. Replant divisions at the same depth, watering thoroughly to establish.
Managing Common Vinca Issues
While generally robust, Vinca plants can encounter pests, diseases, and vigorous spreading. Common insect pests include aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies, which can be managed with beneficial insects, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Vinca is susceptible to fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot, especially in overly wet conditions. Root and stem rots are associated with excessively wet soil. Good drainage and proper spacing prevent these issues. If fungal diseases occur, remove infected plants to prevent further spread.
Vinca, especially Vinca major, is known for its aggressive spreading and can become invasive in some regions, outcompeting native plants. To control its spread, plant in containers or use physical barriers. Regular pruning also helps manage its growth and prevents it from overrunning other garden areas. For established invasive patches, manual removal by pulling or digging out all stems and root nodes is recommended, though it can be time-consuming.