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.

The Historic Covered Bridges of Blount County, Alabama

Springtime, Loving, And The Meaning Of Flowers

Now is the month of maying,

When merry lads are playing,

Fa la la la la la la la la,

Fa la la la la la la lah.

Each with his bonny lass

Upon the greeny grass.

Fa la la la la la la la la, etc...

 The Spring, clad all in gladness,

Doth laugh at Winter's sadness,

Fa la la, etc...

And to the bagpipe's sound

The nymphs tread out their ground.

Fa la la, etc...

Fie then! why sit we musing,

Youth's sweet delight refusing?

Fa la la, etc...

Say, dainty nymphs, and speak,

Shall we play barley break?

Fa la la etc…

When springtime comes and flowers begin to bloom, frisky hearts turn to thoughts of love, gifts of affection, and perhaps even plans for the future. As the old nursery rhyme (or taunt) went:

[She] and [he] sitting in a tree,

K-I-S-S-I-N G.

First comes love,

Then comes marriage,

Then comes baby in a baby carriage.

It’s the natural progression of things.

Gifts are often plucked straight from the garden – or purchased – to express deepest feelings, and, traditionally, those gifts have had special meanings. In fact, an entire language of flowers developed over the centuries. It’s called floriography. With the language of flowers, friends and lovers have been able to express themselves without words, which, for sake of modesty or or other reasons, are sometimes better left unsaid.

The language of flowers is also helpful for expressing sympathy, disappointment, timidity – the whole range of human emotions.

Whether intended for deepest heartfelt expressions, occasional gifts or wedding favors, here are a few to consider.

Astilbe – Dedication and patience.

Yarrow (Achillea) – Love, healing a broken heart, courage and inspiration.

Ivy (Hedera) – Eternal fidelity, strong attachment.

Ferns – Luck, riches, happiness, family bonds, hope for future generations.

Candytuft (Iberis) – Joy, sweetness, and beauty in the face of adversity.

Coreopsis – Wealth and cheerfulness.

Daylily – Depending on the color, they can symbolize purity, innocence (white); devotion, motherly love, joy, beauty and courage (orange and yellow).

Chrysanthemum/Dendranthema – Friendship, love, well-wishing, death and grief (white).

Carnation – Depending on the color, they can symbolize purity, innocence, death (white); life and love (red); gratitude (pink); rejection (yellow).

Dianthus – Love, affection, gratitude, admiration, whimsy.

Goldenstar – Good luck, ambition.

Plumbago – Hope and well-wishing.

Iris – Trust, courage, hope.

Yellow Archangel – Wisdom, courage, protection.

Lily-of-the-Valley – Good luck in marriage, happiness, love.

Liriope – Nymph-like, capriciousness.

CreepingJenny/Moneywort – Wealth, happiness,

Catmint – Love, fertility, happiness.

Phlox – Harmony, unity.

Rudbeckia – Encouragement.

St. John’s Wort – God’s design.

Thyme – Healing, young love, romance, courage.

Verbena – Romance, pleasant memories, happiness, creativity, protection.

Veronica/Speedwell – Healing, recovery, joyfulness.

Vinca – Nostalgia, benevolence, purity.

With so many flowers to choose from, you can express all your loving thoughts without speaking a word.

Return to GoGardenNow.com.

"I Know A Hill Where Periwinkle Grows"

Just outside my window

Periwinkle’s evergreen

Periwinkle’s strong,

Under the snow it lives

All Winter long.

When the first thaw come

Periwinkle’s seen

In all its myrtle grace

Clear, dark green.

I know a hill where 

Periwinkle grows,

A little hill that

The morning knows.

- Periwinkle, Louise Driscoll (1875-1957)

Doesn’t that make you want some in your garden? You should consider it. Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is very easy to grow. As I write this in March, periwinkle is blooming up a storm

As noted in Driscoll’s poem, periwinkle is an evergreen ground cover vine. It may be found growing nearly world-wide. Though no one is sure, it’s believed the word, Vinca, is derived from a Latin word meaning "to bind." Vinca is a trailing plant, and the runners root as they extend. The long, tough runners were used in some cultures to form rope.

Mature height as a ground cover is usually from 8" to 18". Flower colors range from blue to white or burgundy, depending upon the cultivar. Vinca prefers moist soil in partial shade to full shade, but will also tolerate sun and drought. It is deer resistant.

There are two species of Vinca commonly available: Vinca major and Vinca minor. Louise Driscoll wrote about V. minor.

Vinca minor is commonly known as dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or death myrtle. It does contain toxic substances. I’m sure that’s why the name figured in the Harry Potter story with the ghost, Moaning Myrtle.

Vinca foliage is about 3/4" wide and 1" long. Mature height is about 4". Foliage is deep green and shiny. It is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 through 8. Soil pH should range from 6.1 to 7.8.

Find Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone By Zip Code

As a ground cover, vinca is effective for erosion control on hillsides. If planting it for erosion control, try to mitigate the water flow until the plants are established, otherwise the water might dislodge them.

Periwinkle does well in shallow soil, even where tree roots render it difficult to cultivate. But, if possible, prepare the planting bed by cultivating about 4" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil. Plant 6" to 12" apart. If fertilizer is used, incorporate 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the top 4" of soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Periwinkle can be planted any time of year, even bare root plants. Even so, you should water occasionally until the plants become established to avoid drought stress. Maintenance is minimal. Periwinkle has few pest and disease problems, and tolerates poor soil.

Because it is so common, folks often overlook it, unless it’s found growing where they don’t want it. As I’ve often said, “it does what a ground cover is supposed to do; it covers ground.” Periwinkle is popular precisely because it is so effective, attractive, and requires practically no maintenance.

Return to Vinca at GoGardenNow.

FAQ: Water run-off is causing an erosion issue. Should I plant Mondo?

Q. I have a location that is a steep hill, that runs down towards a lake.  Water run-off is causing an erosion issue.  I am planning on purchasing 100 Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' - Dwarf Mondo Grass - Bare Root,  to start. I'm curious as to your opinion on this application of this grass.  Second, I want to know how quickly these would need to be planted once they arrive.

Dwarf Mondo bare root divisions

A. Dwarf mondo grass is a slow-growing ground cover, so it won't stabilize the soil on the hill all by itself. You could install an erosion control blanket/mat and plant through it. Still, that doesn't change the fact that dwarf mondo grows slowly.

If you decide to install a blanket/mat, to help stabilize the soil until your ground cover plant matures, it should be made of organic material (like straw). I recently saw some for sale at our local farm supply store.

Faster growing ground covers include Campsis radicans (aka Trumpet Vine, a very aggressive native plant that will climb anything in its path), Euonymus fortunei (aka Wintercreeper), Gelsemium sempervirens (aka Carolina Jessamine, another native ground cover that will climb if given the opportunity), Hypericum calycinum (aka St. John's Wort), Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' and Junipers horizontalis 'Wiltonii', Liriope spicata (aka Creeping Lily Turf), Pachysandra terminalis (aka Japanese Spurge), Trachelospermum asiaticum (aka Asiatic Jasmine), Vinca major (aka Big-Leaf Periwinkle) and Vinca minor (aka Periwinkle).

Bare root plants should be planted ASAP. If you can't get to them all at once, set the plants upright in the shipping box, keep them moist, avoid exposure to sun, wind and freezing temperatures.

Return to GoGardenNow.com.

FAQ: I have a heavily shaded lawn and have given up on trying to grow grass...What would you suggest?

Asiatic Jasmine lawn substitute

Q. We live approximately 60 miles southeast of Atlanta. I have a heavily shaded lawn and have given up on trying to grow grass. I have been advised to try Lenten Roses and ferns as an alternative. We have very hard clay soil but sloping, so have pretty good drainage. What would you suggest?

A. There are two ways you can deal with this. The first would be to develop a lawn substitute planted with shade loving species that tolerate some foot traffic. Appropriate plants could include Bugle Weed (Ajuga reptans), Sedge (Carex morrowii), Kenilworth Ivy (Cymbalaria aequitriloba), Kew Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'), Variegated Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea 'Variegata'), Moss (Hypnum imponens), Lily Turf (Liriope muscari), Creeping Lily Turf (Liriope spicata), Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) or Dwarf Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris 'Nana'), Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) or Dwarf Mondo (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana').

The second would be to develop a shade garden in which foot traffic is not allowed, or is restricted to paths and stepping stones. Appropriate plants could include Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), ferns, Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis), Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.), English Ivy (Hedera helix 'Needlepoint', 'Anne Marie', 'Gold Child', 'Ingelise', 'Teardrop'), Hosta, Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Spike Moss (Selaginella uncinata or other species), Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), and Vincas (V. major or V. minor). Of course, any of the low-growing lawn substitute type plants could also be included.

I also suggest amending your hard clay soil. Spread a four inch layer of organic compost over the area, and work it into the top six inches of soil with a tiller. Next, spread a 4 inch layer of sand over the area, and till it into the first six inches of soil. This should help to make the site more hospitable.

Return to GoGardenNow.com

Peaches' Garden

Southern tradition, hospitality and comfort flourish in the home and garden of Roland and Peaches Barnes.  One senses it even when passing by.  Magnificent Deodar Cedars bathe the front lawn in cooling shade during the hottest days of summer, and the inviting glow from indoors spreads its welcome at evening.  Near the street, a little plaque that Roland inherited designates this place as "Happy Forest."  And it's about as good as it gets.  Theirs is a life together of sowing, sewing, nourishing and enjoying the fruit of good work.

We have enjoyed their friendship for many years.  Our children have grown up together.  In fact, we all have grown up together, and can attest to their faithfulness and care.

Roland is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Statesboro, GA, which he planted in 1981.  Peaches is an artist, specializing in "french hand-sewn" couture.  Her work has been featured in well-known magazines including Veranda, Victoria, Sew Beautiful, Southern Accents, Southern Lady and Secrets of the South.  Peaches is one-of-a-kind, as is each of her creations. She crafts each with her own hands, using only the finest materials, meticulous with the smallest details.  Many of her masterpieces have already become treasured family heirlooms.  You can learn more about her work at peachesbarnes.com.

Peaches is also a gardener, most interested in heirloom varieties traditional to the South.  I visited recently.  Accompanied by her grandson, she showed me about.

The white-washed garden gate is dressed in garlands of green, yellow and white with Carolina Jessamine, Lady Banks Rose, Confederate Jasmine, Trumpet Honeysuckle and Virgin's Bower Clematis.  The earliest species bloom just ahead of the next to provide many weeks of fragrance and color.

Hers is a garden for children.  The garden wall, softened with Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem, provides safety and places to hide.  An antique playhouse invites her grandchildren, as it did her own children, to practice and play in a domain of their own.  Raised-bed vegetable gardens are nearby to tend.  After all that hard work, Peaches' salt-water pool beckons them for a swim.  A classic pergola, accented with topiaries, provides a shady place to picnic or serve tea.  Stone bunnies and squirrels nestle among ground covers and peek from behind shrubs.

Peaches collects plants that are deep-rooted in Southern tradition.  Though not considered rare, they are more often neglected as gardeners desire newer selections.  So, in her garden you'll find old-fashioned camellias and indica azaleas, spirea and irises, daylilies, hydrangea, ajuga, aucuba and nandina.

Perhaps old-fashioned plants have survived because they thrive on neglect.  When she began her garden, Peaches sought them out.  Now, she rues, some of them have become "evasive."  Not invasive, mind you.  They have only run off to spring up where she least expects them.  She pointed some of them out: crocosmia, yarrow, vinca, houttuynia, virgin's bower clematis, and queen anne's lace in every crack and crevice.

We could have visited longer, but baby Roeland crawled into his push car and begged to "go fast."  So, off they ran for a quick lap or two around the yard.

Peaches' garden is not picture perfect.  It's a living space.  As we all know, happy forests are not always tidy, but they are comfortable and home to many.

Return to GoGardenNow.com.

Vinca Covers Ground

A walk along an urban trail is an education in diversity. You'll pass people of many nationalities and dress with one thing in common - they need exercise outdoors. You may notice that the plant world along the way is also inhabited by species from far away places.

Vinca, an evergreen ground cover vine that now inhabits much of North America, is actually native to parts of Europe, North Africa and western Asia. The name was probably derived from a Latin word meaning "to bind." Certainly, as a ground cover, it is very effective for erosion control. In addition, David MacKenzie in Perennial Ground Covers says the tough runners used to be twisted together to form rope.

The trailing, vine-like plant is in the Dogbane family, along with Bluestar (Amsonia spp.), Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), Confederate Jasmine (T. jasminoides) and Mandevilla. Mature height as a ground cover is usually from 8" to 18". The runners root as they go. Flowers may be blue, white or burgundy, depending upon the cultivar. Vinca prefers moist soil in partial shade to full shade, but will also tolerate sun and drought. It is deer resistant.

Two species of Vinca are commonly available: Vinca major and Vinca minor.

Vinca major is so named because the flowers and leaves are larger and the runners longer than Vinca minor. Its common name is Bigleaf Periwinkle. Leaves are oval, green or variegated, 1" wide and approximately 2" long. Simple flowers are up to 2" diameter. It is reliably hardy in USDA climate zones 6 through 9. Recommended soil pH is 5.6 to 7.8. In addition to its effectiveness as a ground cover, it is a fine subject for hanging baskets. Plant 8" to 12"

Vinca minor is commonly known as dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or death myrtle. V. minor does contain toxic substances, but MacKenzie says that "during the Middle Ages, the heads of criminals who were to be executed were adorned with stems of V. minor, hence the Italian name Fiore di morte (flower of death)." Foliage is about 3/4" wide and 1" long. Mature height is less than V. major; about 4". Evergreen foliage is deep green and shiny. It is fine for erosion control in medium-sized areas provided that water does not flow with such force that the plants are dislodged before established. Vinca minor is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 through 8. Recommended soil pH is 6.1 to 7.8. Plant 6" to 12" apart.

Vinca does well in shallow soil, even where tree roots make it impossible to cultivate. But if possible, prepare the planting bed by cultivating at least 4" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil. Fertilizer may be used. If you choose to do so, incorporate 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the top 4" of soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Vinca can be planted any time you have a shovel handy, even bare root plants. It is very tough. Nevertheless, you should water occasionally until the plants become established to avoid drought stress. Maintenance is minimal. Vinca has few pest and disease problems, and tolerates poor soil.

Because it is so common, some folks think that Vinca is over-used, even invasive. But I don't agree; I'm all about diversity. It does what a ground cover is supposed to do; it covers ground. Vinca is popular because it is effective, attractive, and requires little or no maintenance.

Return to GoGardenNow.com.