Vinca vines are fast-growing, ornamental groundcover plants.
Vinca vines are hardy, evergreen or semi-evergreen vines that are often used as groundcover plants. Vinca vines are sometimes confused with Catharanthus roseus, also called vinca or Madagascar periwinkle, which is not a vine and grows as an annual in all but the warmest regions of the country. In most areas of the United States, vinca vines are perennials that can easily be kept from year to year. In fact, once these adaptable vines are established, they are sometimes difficult to control.
Description
Members of the dogbane family, vinca vines come in two forms: vinca minor and vinca major. Vinca minor, also called common periwinkle or myrtle, is a low-growing, spreading vine with woody stems. Its narrow, elliptical-shaped leaves are glossy green and about 1 inch long. In springtime, these vines are covered in a profusion of blue or purplish-blue flowers. The flowers of vinca minor consist of five petals with a star in the center and are about 1 inch wide. Vinca major or bigleaf periwinkle is very similar in appearance to vinca minor, except the flowers are about 2 inches wide. The leaves of vinca major tend to be heart-shaped or triangular and about 2 to 3 inches long.
Cultivation
Vinca vines are perennials in U. S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 11. In colder areas, they must be replanted each year. These plants prefer rich, moist soil but can adapt to nearly any soil condition. Although generally drought tolerant, they may need to be watered during dry spells. Vinca vines prefer partial shade or filtered light. They can tolerate deep shade or sun, but the leaves tend to yellow when exposed to hot, sunny locations.
Usage
Because they grow vigorously and fill in quickly, vinca vines are typically used as groundcover plants. These tough plants are especially good for controlling erosion on slopes and hills. The smaller, feathery leaves and mounding habit of vinca minor tend to make it fill in bare spots better than vinca major. According to Floridata, vinca minor is more cold hardy and more shade tolerant than vinca major. Vinca major is often used as a trailing plant in patio containers and window boxes.
Invasive Species
Native to Europe, vinca vines were introduced to North America more than 100 years ago and quickly became a favorite of gardeners. If allowed to grow freely, vinca vines spread aggressively and form dense mats that choke out other native plant species. The U. S. Department of Agriculture lists both vinca minor and vinca major as invasive species. To prevent these vines from spreading to nearby woods and fields, cut them back or pull them up from the roots annually or as needed to control growth.
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