Common Periwinkle Myrtle or Vinca
Also called creeping or running myrtle, periwinkle myrtle is a non-native invasive ground cover popular with gardeners who appreciate a hardy, low-maintenance flowering plant that thrives in full sun to deep shade and a variety of soils. Vinca causes little to no allergy problems in most people and can tolerate some foot traffic. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
What is Vinca?
-
A member of the genus Vinca and species minor, periwinkle is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southeast Asia and was introduced to America in the 1700s. It has been found covering old cemeteries, often as the only indication to the location of old grave sites.
Considered a sub-evergreen, it has woody stems that are tough to break and because it grows in masses, has the ability to smother weeds. Pinwheel shaped flowers are violet to blue lavender to white and have five petals. In most areas, it will bloom mainly May to June, fewer in deep shade and intermittently throughout the summer.
Periwinkle grows to a height 4 to 6 inches and produces vines that trail to 3 feet. It is very invasive and spreads rapidly due to its ability to root where nodes touch the ground. It is best planted in planters or areas where its spread can be controlled.
Uses
-
Periwinkle makes an excellent ground cover that grows easily on banks and under trees and is good for borders and containers. A very hardy plant, it withstands many soil types, is low maintenance, good for controlling erosion on slopes and is an attractive addition to window boxes.
-
Growing conditions
-
Periwinkle is happiest and will produce the most blooms in part shade but will also thrive in sun and deep shade. It spreads more quickly in organic soil but with enough moisture can tolerate heavy clay. Once established, it spreads quickly.
Periwinkle should be cut back in spring for more blooms and protected in winter by mulching. It is susceptible to canker, root rot and bacterial leaf spot. Not favored by foraging deer, it also seems to tolerate light foot traffic.
Other Varieties of Vinca
-
Vinca minor 'Illumination' has variegated green and yellow foliage and blue flowers.
Vinca minor 'Bowle's Variety' has dark green leaves and blue-violet flowers. Its leaves and flowers are slightly larger than other varieties and is considered more reliable for continuous blooming in summer and fall.
Vinca minor 'Sterling Silver' has variegated leaves that have creamy white edges with a green center. Flowers are blue.
The similar species Vinca Major has larger flowers and leaves.
Benefits of Shade-Loving Invasive Plants
-
Most vinca vines prefer part shade and for this reason, often thrive where grass will suffer from lack of sufficient light. In some areas, heavily wooded yards have replaced grass with vinca. Because they can cover an area very quickly, they are also classified as invasive, which means frequent trimming back of the runners may be necessary to contain them to a specific area or stop them from growing across paths.
-
References
- Photo Credit vinca spring flowering carpet image by starush from Fotolia.com
