She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. To do this, proceed as follows. Generally, however, you should sparingly pour the plants in winter. To control the growth, plants should be pruned once every year. The average diameter of vinca minor plants is around 3 feet (0.91 m). First, ask around to see if anyone you know has an established patch of vinca; digging some clumps from other people’s gardens is a great way to start. Both sorts, however, are not only different in size. If, for example, the plant has been placed in a very sunny spot, it may be necessary to water it every day during the hot season. Vinca minor is a very robust plant and it is also winterhart. About 5 to 15 percent organic matter in your soil is optimal. Within a short time, the cuttings will already form roots, so you can then replant them into the garden or into a larger pot. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Since the dwarf periwinkle is quite robust, hardly any pests and diseases are known for this beautiful plant. Vinca minor f. alba ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has dark green leaves and brilliant white flowers. Plant 12-18" apart to cover large areas. Make sure that each cutting has one or two pairs of leaves. Gently press down on the soil with your hands. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Vinca Minor - Periwinkle is a very useful evergreen groundcover. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. In the later phase of the disease the individual spots on the leaves will merge. A dibber is a pointed stick that creates holes in the ground. You can quickly learn how to plant vinca seeds in two simple steps. Older branches may … Planting in partial shade gives the best results. However, in order to successfully extract the dwarf periwinkle from seeds, all conditions have to optimally harmonize with one another. They typically stand only 3 to 6 inches off the ground, but their trailing stems can reach 18 inches in length. Last Updated: December 25, 2020 Vinca plant grows well under partial sunlight, partial shade. Use a spray bottle to spray the top of the soil with water after layering it onto your seeds. For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in between the plants. For example, you should only use ten to twelve plants on one square meter of area if you want the area to become green quickly. With its long stolons it covers even large areas and forms beautiful, blue-violet flowers. However, the soil should not be frozen. Vincas also make good container plants - particularly the small-leaved Vinca minor forms. With a bit of effort, you can reap their benefits by sowing their seeds and caring for them into maturity to enjoy for years to come. Always make sure plants are spaced enough for adequate air circulation and your planting region is not too humid. By using our site, you agree to our. For the first season, deep, infrequent watering is preferable. The soil may also be slightly acidic or chalky. Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth. It is not a very thirsty plant once established and tolerates shade and cold with aplomb. Plants are suitable for ground cover in sunny areas. Growing vinca will be successful as long as you meet the plant’s optimal requirements. Periwinkle has shallow, spreading, fibrous roots that hold soil in place. Vinca minor can be completely or partially replanted without problems. References. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Likewise, however, it is also possible to use the beautiful plant for grave decoration. Vinca minor, or lesser periwinkle, is a climbing vine that grows well in many different climates and will climb walls or over the ground. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. Plant parts affected with grey spot should be removed immediately. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Later on, vinca minor was introduced in Northern Europe and the British Isles under the name “Gartenflüchtling”. The unpretentious soil plant reaches a height of about ten centimeters. Use a spray bottle to spray the top of the soil with water after layering it onto your seeds. Spread a 1-inch-layer of organic mulch around the young plants. Vinca minor thrives best in 24 to 38 °C (75 to 100 °F) daytime temperatures, while nighttime temperatures should be between 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F). Only in the case of unwanted, too strong multiplication, you may cut it back. Minor Vinca Tea – What It Is, Benefits and How To Use All Its Properties To Treat Various Diseases . Vincas survive droughts well but don't like wet soil, so give them a home in loamy or sandy soil that drains well. Always lift each seedling one at a time, and never hold them by the roots or stem—this can damage the plant. That said, it is a hardy plant and tolerates planting through mid to late fall as well. Plant vinca plants 12 to 15 inches apart. Already towards the end of May you can put the plants in a bed. It’s ideal for growing in shady sites, but you will get far more flowers where the light is good. For prevention, it is advisable to pay attention for the plant spacing so that sufficient air can circulate between the individual plants. Cutting of the dwarf periwinkle is not necessary. You can also buy flats of vinca (that price quote was probably for potted plants). The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease. It blooms in early Spring with purple flowers, giving it the Periwinkle name. 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Vinca grows best in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. This article has been viewed 14,213 times. Plant it on steep banks for erosion control, as a bedding plant or in planters and window boxes. Vinca minor prefers a half schady or shady place. Local department and gardening stores sell bags of peat moss for anywhere between $10 and $40, depending on the size and brand. You should begin by lining the bottom of a cloche container with pebbles for drainage, placing the plant on top of them, and then covering the container with its lid. Rusts can usually be fought only with chemical agents. If you don't have any Ziploc bags handy, you can sow your seeds under a glass container. Vinca minor, the “dwarf periwinkle”, is one of the groundcovers. It will jump over any edging you try to put down. I’m pretty sure it’s the thickest lushest non-flowering vinca I’ve ever seen. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Vinca minor is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. Vinca minor works beautifully in Sunset Western Garden Climate zones 1-24 and enjoys full sun in milder climates and partial sun in warmer environments. Once the pods are completely dry, shake the seeds out into a paper envelope and label them for storage. The dwarf periwinkle belongs to the family of the dogbane plants and is thus poisonous. In addition, bark mulch promotes the growth of field horsetail. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. It is often confused with vinca minor, but it differs from this plant in that the leaves are larger and a paler shade of green. With a more advanced infestation, there is no other option left than to dispose the whole plant, since the grey leaf spot disease can usually not be fought. As you might guess from the name, Vinca major is larger than its cousin. Although it prefers rich, slightly moist soil, it tolerates a wide range of conditions, including clay, alkaline soils and drought. Compost will help loosen the soil, provide nutrients for your plant, and improve drainage. Rust is recognizable by the characteristic round, black-brown spots. Only heavy as well as compacted soils are completely unsuitable for the dwarf periwinkle. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender. Transported by colonists to North America around the 1700s, Periwinkle is considered an invasive species in some regions of the United States. Collect the seed pods as they start to turn brow, sniping them off the plant one seed head at a time. Maintain a distance of 0.78 to 1.18 inches (2.0 to 3.0 cm) between each plant. The sowing of the dwarf periwinkle is quite difficult for beginners. Synonyms Vinca minor 'Rubra' Vinca minor 'Purpurea' Family Apocynaceae Genus Vinca can be evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, paired leaves and solitary, 5-lobed, salver-shaped flowers in the leaf axils V. major is often used in container gardens where its large trailing foliage adds a softness to hanging baskets and mixed pots. Vinca Insect Pests. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. With Vinca minor you can cover your garden in an efficient and beautiful way. Use caution when planting vinca minor near houses with insight from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening. For very severe frosts it is however advisable to cover the plant with brushwood or garden fleece. Cuttings left from pruning can be used for. Even slugs will usually avoid the plant. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. When the temperatures are between 24 and 28 degrees in the day and between 20 and 24 degrees in the night, the germination conditions are perfect. In North America the plant is even growing in the wild. The grey leaf spot disease is recognizable by its clearly visible brown patches. An infestation mainly occurs when the location is characterized by an excessively high humidity. It has crept under 2 of my Rhodies and overtook the candytuft I planted when we moved in. Whether in the garden or in parks, the dwarf periwinkle is a real eyecatcher. Make sure that each cutting has one or two pairs of leaves. Common periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an ideal plant for tough spots. Cuttings can generally be generated from May to autumn. The plant is not only available in blue-violet, but also in many other colours. Vinca major--also called bigleaf periwinkle--is a fast-growing perennial vine that features heart-shaped evergreen leaves and violet flowers that bloom from April to June. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Use shredded bark, wood chips or shredded leaves for the mulch. There are many different varieties in the stores, such as the vinca minor Elisa and the vinca minor Marie, which have different colours. Today the “dwarf periwinkle” is very popular, so it is not surprising that the plant is often seen. It should be placed in a bright spot that is away from direct sunlight to avoid generating too much heat. Place the seed heads in shallow cardboard boxes and let them dry for one to four weeks. In general, however, the plant is also referred to as “lesser periwinkle” or “myrtle”. Vinca minor, commonly called lesser or dwarf periwinkle, myrtle, creeping myrtle or vinca covers the ground year-round with its evergreen foliage.It blooms in late spring and occasionally in summer and fall. Plants vinca minor as deep as the container it is currently in. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. It grows in all circumstances, in permeable, fresh, warm and humid soils. Store in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant. Both these species can be planted in beds, borders, and containers. % of people told us that this article helped them. To propagate, divide plants from autumn to spring. Vinca minor vines stay short, sprawling out over the ground. If it happens that your children or pets are eating pieces of the plant, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Both Vinca major and Vinca minor should be pruned hard in early spring. Noteworthy Characteristics. Vinca minor is hardy in Zones 4-8. Its use is linked to the use in natural medicine and is indicated as an alternative aid … In addition, seed is rarely sold in the stores. If the infestation is noticed at an early stage, the affected parts of the plant should be removed immediately. However, it is often much better to remove and dispose the plant immediately, in order to prevent spreading. In addition, the smaller vinca is a plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family . Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Pruning promotes new growth and also helps control the spread of the plants. The trailing vines will root and establish new plants over the growing season. Bareroot is a good way to go (look into Lucy’s Wholesale Vinca–she sells to individuals too). The perfect time to divide the plant is in spring. While there are many initial differences in how vinca major is different from vinca minor, I will only touch on the differences in use that a homeowner would need to consider.. Used and referred to as a 'groundcover', Periwinkle is most often used to cover bare places of ground and is dense in its nature of growth. The young plants are then pricked after about three to six weeks. These plants can ruin the state of full shade, but the plant may burn in direct sunlight. Spread your vinca minor seeds over the peat. https://www.thejoyofplants.co.uk/growing-under-glass-guide-cloches, http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=544, https://gardenerdy.com/how-to-grow-care-for-creeping-myrtle-vinca-minor, https://hvp.osu.edu/pocketgardener/source/description/vi_minor.html, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_to_do_about_compacted_soil, http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/propagation_pricking1.shtml, https://www.radiogardensense.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/July_22_2017_.20160517.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. As an evergreen plant with magnificent, long lasting flowers, the vinca minor very much used in gardens and parks. Usually, they are used as groundcover. Vinca minor plants—also known as periwinkle flowers or creeping myrtles—are beautiful, purple flowering plants that can provide great ground cover for your yard with a minimal amount of maintenance. The vinca minor is toxic in all parts. The watering of the dwarf periwinkle is dependent on the location. Only rusts, the grey leaf spot disease and the phoma root and stem rot may attack the vinca minor under certain circumstances. The multiplication of the vinca minor is possible not only by sowing, but also by dividing it or by using cuttings. Depending on which variety of periwinkle you have, the plant may even tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees. It's best to plant creeping myrtle in early spring, before its blooming season. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. However, the beautiful plant is difficult to grow in completely dark spots. Vinca minor's small, trailing roots need plenty of space to grow quickly. It’s not surprising that more and more gardeners are getting interested in this evergreen, Before planting, till in about 3 inches of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to make the area more conducive to Vinca minor. Vincas are fans of acidic soil, and their ideal soil pH level is around 5.5. It is also called lesser periwinkle or creeping myrtle. Vinca minor commonly know as vinca or periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Periwinkles will … I’ve tried to rip it out, but can’t. With regard to the soil, the dwarf periwinkle does not make any great demands. This adversely affects the growth of the plant. You can find them at local gardening stores or online suppliers for about $1 for a 10-pack. The best edging for vinca is the lawn mower. These also have a fairly fine foliage, so they don’t have an all too bulky appearance. In winter, however, you should only slightly pour the plant. The dwarf periwinkle is not only a real eyecatcher, but also quite unpretentious when it comes to the care. Ziploc bags trap moisture are help the seeds germinate. Periwinkle. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. The multiplication of the vinca minor is possible not only by sowing, but also by dividing it or by using cuttings.CuttingsCuttings can generally be generated from May to autumn. In doing so, the plant easily tolerates a very strict cutting. It is also not as winter hardy; Vinca major survives in Zones 7-9. This will promote the development of roots at the nodes of the trailing stems and settlement of new roots. Layer them over the soil and then cover them with approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) or less of peat moss. The evergreen leaves as well as the long lasting blossom splendor make the dwarf periwinkle something very special. Vinca produces two types of stems. Spring is the best time for the planting of vinca minor: When you finally plant the vinca minor into your garden, it is advisable to keep a certain planting distance, so that the dwarf periwinkle will delight you with a magnificent growth and a beautiful bloom. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. In addition, the plant is very robust and not particularly prone to pests or diseases. How To Grow Vinca. Avoid planting vinca minor next to natural areas to prevent disruption of local habitat. 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.. Prevention of Vinca Plant Problems I inherited vinca minor with our house. Where to plant periwinkles. Space your plants 10 to 12 inches apart to promote airflow and … The genus vinca has a total of five to seven varieties. Fertilizers are not necessary. Immediately after cutting, you should place the cuttings either in a pot with conventional moist soil or in moist peat. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Because of this, you should not leave your pets, such as rabbits, dogs and cats, as well as your children, near this plant unattended. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,213 times. If a quick greening is not so important to you, then you can also safely use fewer plants. For this purpose, usually quite flat growing varieties are chosen, such as the vinca minor Anna and the vinca minor Marie. In general, the dwarf periwinkle is believed to originate from the Mediterranean and Southern Central Europe. When pricking, you should maintain a distance of about two to three centimeters between the plants. Water the plants regularly for the first season of establishment. Gardening Tips : How to Grow Vinca Minor. Periwinkle is often also called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. This article has been viewed 14,213 times. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Although temperature is important, vinca minor is a hardy plant that can successfully thrive in a wide range of temperatures. Insect attacks on this plant are few but can happen on occasion. Mulch with shredded leaves or cedar bark to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Thus you can leave the dwarf periwinkle in the garden, even in winter. Most jiffy pots are made of peat moss and wood pulp, which are 100% biodegradable. Periwinkle is a plant species native to parts of central and southern Europe. Vinca minor. The stems of these plants root at their joints as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to become a pretty flowering ground cover able to fill in a large area and keep weeds down. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5" long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. On the other hand, you must not use bark to cover the plants, since it emits tannic acid. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. 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