Is Vinca a drought tolerant ground cover?
Drought-tolerant ground covers such as Vinca minor vines have a greater chance of surviving than thirstier plants would. Because of their ability to root and spread, they can help hold the soil in place. This can be important on the side of a hill, where soil erosion might be a problem.
Does Vinca minor like sun or shade?
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade . Vinca minor vines require good drainage.
How to care for a Vinca minor plant?
Vinca Minor Care 1 Light. Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. ... 2 Soil. Vinca minor vines require good drainage. ... 3 Water. While the plants will grow better in moist soils, its vines are pretty drought-tolerant once mature. 4 Temperature and Humidity. ... 5 Fertilizer. ...
Are there any problems with growing Vinca?
While not all problems growing vinca can be avoided, there are several ways in which to proactively maintain the health of plants. Providing optimal growth environments will help to reduce vinca insect pests and diseases.
See more
Does Vinca minor need a lot of water?
Water to keep moist the first summer but avoid wet soil to prevent fungal diseases and root rot. After the first season, little care is necessary besides fertilizing lightly in spring and watering during extended droughts, although vinca grown in sun may require occasional watering.
Where does Vinca minor grow best?
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade.
Do vincas like wet or dry soil?
Vincas survive droughts well but don't like wet soil, so give them a home in loamy or sandy soil that drains well. Space your plants 10 to 12 inches apart to promote airflow and minimize the risk of fungus. Mulch the plants lightly if desired.
How often should you water Vinca minor?
Vinca plants are heat and drought tolerant. Once established, typically the flowers will need water every other week. Follow the general rule that if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, then water the plant.
How long does it take Vinca minor to spread?
At a 6-inch spacing periwinkle will completely cover an area in one year. Plant whenever the soil is workable and provide sufficient water, especially when planting in summer.
Why is periwinkle called flower of death?
Periwinkle, an evergreen trailing groundcover, is a common invader throughout most of the United States. It is native to Europe, where it was commonly known in folklore as the “flower of death” because its vines were woven into headbands worn by dead children or criminals on their way to execution.
Can you overwater vinca?
Even though its native environment is along river beds, Vinca is still a plant that can die due to too much water. Whenever drainage is poor, water sits and roots can't breathe.
What is the difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor?
The main difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor is that the leaves of V. major are slightly broader, larger, ovate, or heart shaped, while those of V. minor are small, elongated, lance-shaped. This can help identify the species.
Does Vinca minor like sun or shade?
Vinca needs little maintenance, and deadheading isn't required. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering.
What is killing my vinca?
Insect attacks on this plant are few but can happen on occasion. Some of the more commonly seen pests on annual vinca plants include aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Generally, most of these pests can be controlled with beneficial insects that feed on them or with the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Why is my Vinca minor not blooming?
The most likely cause for periwinkles not flowering is insufficient nutrients in the soil and/or a lack of water getting to the roots. Inadequate sun and too much shade exposure, as well as unsuitable weather conditions, can also affect the blooming of a periwinkle.
Why is my vinca plant drooping?
According to the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Clemson University Extension, there are several diseases and fungus that can cause vincas to wilt, including phytophthora stem blight and root rot, pythium root rot, rhizoctonia stem and root rot, gray mold and the tomato spotted wilt virus.
Can Vinca minor grow in full sun?
The plant tolerates high heat and close to full shade, but prefers full or partial sun, although its leaves can tend to yellow in full sun. Plant in moist, organic soils. When using as a groundcover, plant 8 inches apart for quick cover of smaller areas and 12 to 18 inches apart for large areas.
Can you plant Vinca in the ground?
Vinca is a low maintenance plant that is not picky about soil quality. This plant has a creeping habit and is often used as a ground cover or as a spiller in containers. When planting in a garden area, dig a hole 6-12 inches deep, depending on the size of the plant.
Is Vinca minor invasive?
Vinca minor, also known as just vinca or periwinkle, is a fast growing, easy groundcover. It's appealing to gardeners and homeowners needing to cover areas of the yard as an alternative to grass. This creeping plant can be invasive though, choking out native plants.
What is the difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor?
The main difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor is that the leaves of V. major are slightly broader, larger, ovate, or heart shaped, while those of V. minor are small, elongated, lance-shaped. This can help identify the species.
Why are vines drought tolerant?
Drought-tolerant ground covers such as Vinca minor vines have a greater chance of surviving than thirstier plants would. Because of their ability to root and spread, they can help hold the soil in place. This can be important on the side of a hill, where soil erosion might be a problem.
How to propagate vinca minor?
You can also do a stem cutting, but that takes a little more work since you have to get the stem to root. Your best bet is to use divisions or nursery transplants. Dividing established plants is the quickest way to propagate.
How far apart should I plant a Vinca minor vine?
Vinca minor vines require good drainage. Space them about a foot apart if you want to fill in an area quickly. Achieving vigorous growth is usually not difficult for these plants. Indeed, the very fact that they grow so well can sometimes be a problem.
How often should I fertilize my Vinca minor?
Fertilizing your Vinca minor regularly (every month) with an evenly balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) may be helpful if your soil lacks sufficiently rich organic matter, but it is not necessary since Vinca minor does well in poor soil too.
What color is a vine in spring?
Vinca minor vines most commonly put out a blue flower in spring, but the color can also be lavender, purple, or white.
Can Vinca minor grow in full sun?
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade .
Is Catharanthus roseus a minor or major?
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) Vinca major is similar to Vinca minor, except that it is cold-hardy only in zones 7 to 9 and is a bit larger. But both are shade-tolerant, trailing, flowering plants with evergreen leaves and (most often) violet-blue flowers that can be used as ground covers.
When to propagate Vinca minor?
May be subject to aphids or rust. Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Vinca minor species is native to Europe and Asia. Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
How tall do periwinkles grow?
Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle 1 Forms a mat up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm). Plant 8 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Plant 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) to cover large areas. 2 Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. Dry soil and drought tolerant. 3 Excellent choice as a groundcover, for banks and slopes (to prevent erosion) or underplanting shrubs. Good cover for bulbs too! 4 A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also deer resistant . 5 No serious pest or disease issues. May be subject to aphids or rust. 6 Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. 7 Vinca minor species is native to Europe and Asia. 8 Find where this species is invasive in the United States. 9 Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
What is a periwinkle?
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) is a vigorous, evergreen mat-forming perennial with glossy dark green leaves and large lavender blue flowers from mid-spring to early summer. Borne over a long period, they continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall and are valuable for enlivening dark areas. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Excellent for suppressing weeds, this vigorous periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used groundcovers.
Blue Periwinkle
Also known as Myrtle. This is probably the most popular evergreen groundcover, forming a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves, studded with bright blue flowers in spring. Very shade tolerant, the leaves will sometimes scorch in too much sun. Tolerates dry shade once plants are established.
Plant number: 7.655.050
Also known as Myrtle. This is probably the most popular evergreen groundcover, forming a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves, studded with bright blue flowers in spring. Very shade tolerant, the leaves will sometimes scorch in too much sun. Tolerates dry shade once plants are established.
What are the problems with V. minor plants?
V. major plants have no serious insect or disease problems. Potential diseases include root rot, leaf spot, dieback, and blight. Leafhoppers, scale insects, aphids, and nematodes are the potential pests that can affect the health of these plants. In case of V. minor, there are no serious insect or disease problems.
How big are V. minor leaves?
An entire and distinctly ciliate margin, and a hairy 1-2 cm long petiole is a characteristic feature of this plant. The glossy dark green leaves of V. minor are 2-4.5 cm long and 1-2.5 cm broad.
What is a periwinkle?
Moreover, a species of small edible sea snail ( Littorina littorea) is also known as common periwinkle or winkle. Both Vinca major and Vinca minor, the herbaceous evergreen perennials, ...
What is the difference between a V. major and a V. minor?
minor. The main difference between Vinca major and Vinca minor is that the leaves of V. major are slightly broader, larger, ovate, or heart shaped, while those of V. minor are small, elongated, lance-shaped. This can help identify the species.
How big are periwinkle leaves?
The leaves of V. major are almost circular at the base and lanceolate at the apex. They are broader, somewhat heart-shaped. They can be 3-9 cm long and 2-6 cm broad.
When do V. minor flowers bloom?
The bloom time may vary according to the location. In V. minor, flowers bloom for one month in spring (April/May). They bloom from early spring to mid summer. They also bloom sporadically from June to September, throughout summer into fall. The bloom time depends on the location. Bloom Description.
Where is the V minor native to?
Native Range. V. major are native to the western Mediterranean. V. minor are native to central and southern Europe, southern Russia, and also southwestern Asia. Height. V. major are 15 to 45 cm, and can grow up to 70 or even 90 cm high. V. minor are 7 to 15 cm, and can grow up to 40 cm.
Why is my vinca plant not growing?
Most commonly, issues with vinca are related to the weather. Growing seasons which have been especially rainy can help contribute to the spread of disease among vinca plants. This issue may also be compounded when the flowers have been planted in less than ideal conditions, as they do require well-draining soil.
What is a vinca plant?
Annual vinca plants are low growing flowering plants that come in a selection of colors, usually white to pink. Also known as annual periwinkle, these plants thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. The ability of vinca to grow and bloom throughout periods of hot weather make it especially popular. However, like many annuals, there are some ...
What are the pests that eat vinca?
Insect attacks on this plant are few but can happen on occasion. Some of the more commonly seen pests on annual vinca plants include aphids , spider mites, scale and whiteflies . Generally, most of these pests can be controlled with beneficial insects that feed on them or with the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
What is the best bedding plant for a garden?
Popular bedding plants not only add a vibrant burst of color, but many continue to bloom throughout the entire summer season. One such bedding plant, annual vinca, is an extremely popular choice for growers.
What are the signs of vinca?
As the disease progresses, the plant and roots may begin to rot. In severe infections, it is possible to lose entire plantings of vinca.
Can you avoid vinca?
While not all problems growing vinca can be avoided, there are several ways in which to proactively maintain the health of plants. Providing optimal growth environments will help to reduce vinca insect pests and diseases. Like many plants, it is important that gardeners prepare well amended and well-draining flower beds before planting.
Do vinca plants need spacing?
In addition to drainage, vinca plants also require adequate spacing. Proper spacing, which allows air circulation, may help decrease the chance of some forms of blight. When working to prevent vinca plant diseases, soil conditions are of great importance.
What causes vinca to rot?
Pests and problems: Annual vinca is invincible to most pests, but it can succumb to stem and root rot caused by Phytophthora —a soil- and water-borne fungal-like microorganism. The best preventive measures are to avoid overwatering and provide good drainage.
Is periwinkle a perennial?
Pest and disease resistant. Note: Not to be confused with common periwinkle ( Vinca minor) and greater periwinkle ( Vinca major ), which are low-growing, evergreen perennials often used as ground covers.
Is vinca a good annual?
If you love the look of impatiens but need a carefree flowering annual that thrives in full sun, annual vinca is a great choice. Both plants produce an abundance of small, colorful flowers all summer long. But while most impatiens wither in hot, dry weather, vinca is undaunted by intense summer heat, making it a favorite choice for southern gardens.
Can perennial grass grow in dry soil?
A preferred turfgrass often does not grow very well in dry soil, but most types of weeds do not have this problem. Regrettably, weeds will quickly invade ...
Can spruce grow in dry soil?
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. A preferred turfgrass often does not grow very well in dry soil, but most types of weeds do not have this problem. Regrettably, weeds will quickly invade a bare patch and take it over. This is why it is important to know about perennial drought-tolerant ground covers . If you have ruled out turfgrass as an option ...
Is bugleweed an invasive plant?
Bugleweed ( Ajuga) is another invasive plant. It is more difficult to control than Vinca minor, so this article is certainly not urging you to grow it. You likely will grow tired of pulling it out of places where it does not belong in your landscaping, frankly.
Is Angelina sedum a perennial?
Gardeners value Angelina as a low-growing plant with chartreuse foliage. As a bonus, this perennial drought-tolerant ground cover spreads quickly, effectively filling in your problem area, with a little help from you (in the form of laying down mulch ). Like many succulents, it will root where its leaves come into contact with the soil, permitting it to multiply.
Do Japanese pachysandras need to be tough?
After all, plants such as Vinca minor and Japanese pachysandra need to be tough to survive in dry soils. And they do not turn that toughness on and off to please us. A tough plant will, in many cases, out-compete its competition for available resources, including water.
Is candytuft a perennial?
Candytuft may be the favorite perennial, hands down, especially among those who love intensely white flowers. Unlike the other plants featured here, though, it does not bear attractive leaves. No, it is all about the flowers with candytuft. But oh, what flowers!
Is Vinca minor invasive?
With Vinca minor, we come to a plant that is somewhat problematic. That is because this viny plant, which features glossy leaves and blue flowers, and which is often grown in shade-covered areas, has made many a list of invasive plants for North America.
