How to Grow Perennial Vinca (Vinca minor & Vinca major)

 

Perennial vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in a variety of conditions. There are two common species: Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) and Vinca major (greater periwinkle). Both produce attractive glossy green leaves and small purple-blue flowers, making them excellent choices for erosion control, shady areas, and low-maintenance landscaping.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Vinca Variety

• Vinca minor: Smaller leaves and flowers; more cold-tolerant (zones 4-9). Ideal for shady or semi-shady areas.

• Vinca major: Larger leaves and flowers; thrives in warmer climates (zones 7-10). More vigorous growth but less cold-hardy. Variegated foliage may be available.

Step 2: Selecting the Planting Site

Vinca is adaptable, but it grows best under these conditions:

• Light: Prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun.

• Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best, but vinca can adapt to a variety of soil types.

• Moisture: While drought-tolerant once established, it prefers moist (but not soggy) soil during the initial growth phase.

Step 3: Planting Vinca

Planting from Potted Plants or Transplants

1. Timing: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.

2. Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for spreading.

3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and cover with soil.

4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.


Planting from Cuttings

1. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from a healthy vinca plant.

2. Remove the lower leaves and plant directly in moist soil or start in water until roots develop.

3. Transplant to the desired area once roots are well-formed.


Step 4: Caring for Perennial Vinca

Watering

• Water regularly during the first few weeks to help establish roots.

• Once established, vinca is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.

Mulching

• Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

• Vinca generally does not require much fertilization.

• If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush growth.

Pruning & Controlling Growth

• Trim back in early spring to encourage new growth.

• If vinca spreads too aggressively, cut back runners to keep it contained.

Step 5: Dealing with Common Problems

Pests

• Generally pest-resistant, but occasionally affected by aphids or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap if needed.

Diseases

• Can be prone to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Step 6: Enjoying Your Vinca!

Once established, perennial vinca requires minimal care and provides year-round greenery with seasonal flowers. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping, erosion control, and adding beauty to shady garden areas.

Important note: All parts of Vinca major and Vinca minor are toxic if ingested.

Ode to a Pink Chrysanthemum

Oh, blushing bloom of autumn’s grace,

Soft as dawn’s first whispered trace,

You rise where summer bids farewell,

A tender flame where cool winds swell.



Your petals, laced in rosy hue,

Unfurl like drops of morning dew,

Layered deep in silken streams,

A poet’s thought, a painter’s dream.



In fading light, you stand so bold,

A breath of warmth in autumn’s cold,

Your beauty sings in twilight’s glow,

A fleeting love the seasons know.



Oh, pink chrysanthemum, bright and true,

A final kiss of summer’s hue,

Through fleeting days, your petals shine,

A bloom of grace—so soft, so divine.

 

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Thinking again about Asiatic Jasmine?

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover known for its dense, carpet-like growth and low-maintenance nature. Unlike true jasmine, it doesn’t produce showy flowers, but its lush, dark green foliage provides year-round beauty. This hardy plant thrives in various conditions, tolerating drought, shade, and even foot traffic once established.

Uses:

• Ground Cover: Ideal for erosion control on slopes and banks, preventing soil loss while adding greenery.

• Weed Suppression: Forms a thick mat that naturally crowds out weeds, reducing maintenance.

• Landscaping Alternative: A great substitute for grass in shaded areas where turf struggles.

• Container Planting & Hanging Baskets: Can be used in pots or hanging baskets, where it spills over beautifully.

Asiatic Jasmine is perfect for homeowners and landscapers seeking a durable, attractive, and low-upkeep solution for challenging spaces.

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Creeping Fig - Of the House of Stranglers

 One of every five of the species in this genus are stranglers. But this one is civilized. 

Ficus pumila is a fast-growing plant, making it ideal for quickly covering unsightly areas, walls, fences, and trellises. It can be used as a ground cover or even as a container plant. Its dense, evergreen foliage and climbing habit add beauty and greenery to vertical surfaces, creating a lush and natural look. It is a resilient plant that requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with less experience. Ficus pumila is generally considered deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas where deer are a problem. It's no wonder, then, why it is such a popular choice for southern gardens.

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DIanthus - Flower of the Gods

 

Dianthus are drought tolerant and fragrant plants that make a beautiful border or ground cover which attracts butterflies, resists disease, and deer don’t like them. You pretty much cannot go wrong with this plant.

The name, Dianthus, literally means "god flower". The name was given by the Greek botanist, Theopharastus. Modern gardeners agree it is simply divine. Dianthus blooms profusely with small, carnation-like flowers from spring into summer. Ours are drought tolerant, salt tolerant, cold hardy and heat tolerant.

 

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Bugleweed - La Petite Aristocrate Improbable

Ajuga, aka Bugleweed, is a low-maintenance ground cover perennial prized for its palette of colors that pleases the eye throughout the year. In addition to being a resilient lawn substitute that can handle children, animals and the occasional car or bike, it controls erosion and easily turns that unplanted or forgotten part of the yard into a beautiful landscape you will be proud of. 

There's more to her story...

 

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Yarrow - Her Sunshine Plays Upon Thee - THE VIDEO

Lily of the Valley - Fragrant and Beautiful - THE VIDEO

 Here's the video version of a blog article about Convallaria that we posted a few years ago. Enjoy! Be sure to give us a "thumbs up" and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Thanks.

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Airlie Gardens Wilmington's Relic of the Gilded Age