Fertilize vincas every two weeks with a balanced flo… However, periwinkle selections can have flowers that range from white, blue to purple in single or double flowers. Vinca major and vinca minor are shade-loving ground covers, and vinca vine is a trailer with variegated leaves often used in window boxes and containers. Greater periwinkle, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, grows to a height of 6 to 18 inches and width of 1 to 2 feet. Vinca ground covers also grow well in the sun. Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. Excellent for sloped areas. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. Also known as Myrtle, and an extremely popular evergreen groundcover. Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. Vinca needs little maintenance and deadheading isn’t required. Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. Red. Vinca is quite drought tolerant, but it prefers a moist environment, which is easier to maintain with some shade. Soil should be well-drained and amended with organic matter, but vinca does tolerate a wide variety of soils. Sun/Shade: Full Sun to Part Shade. They are great for underplanting and their trailing habit can be used to great effect in container planting. Further details for Vinca minor ‘Dart’s Blue’ Optimal Growing Conditions. Growing periwinkle as a ground cover is common, as it rarely reaches more than 4 inches (10 cm.) Short plants with small, glossy green leaves put on little flowers in periwinkle blue. Lesser periwinkle, hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, is similar, but only grows between 3 and 6 inches tall and to a maximum spread of 1 ½ feet. One small plant can spread to 8 feet (2.4 m.) across. Bowles Periwinkle grows best in partial to full shade. Vinca minor vines req… Its lovely. Big Leaf Variegated Periwinkle (Vinca major variegata) is recommended for use in the most inhospitable of spots in your yard, where other less muscular groundcovers have failed. It does not need pinching or deadheading. Compact and trailing Vincas. Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. Vinca, also known as catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkle, is a popular annual flower. Both have similar tolerances and preferences when it comes to sunlight, and both bloom profusely with purple or blue flowers in springtime. While it prefers acidic soil, it tolerates a range of soil types, so long as it has good drainage. I had a spread of them in my old garden in Africa. California Invasive Plant Council: California Invasive Plant Inventory Database, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Periwinkle. Here is a link that might be useful: link Here’s a guide to selecting the best varieties for you yard -- and choosing the healthiest vinca plants available at your local store. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. Flower Season Early Spring Very easy and reliable. Vinca Major grows in either full sun or part shade. Vinca is a classic, old-school plant that’s earned its place in our gardens. It grows to reach approximately 4-6" tall (and will spread up to 18" at maturity) with small, glossy green leaves periwinkle blue flowers mostly. Growing vinca will be successful as long as you meet the plant’s optimal requirements. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. Growing shade-loving ground cover plants is an excellent choice for plantings under trees or shrubs. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Its growth rate is moderate to rapid. After a few years, they tend to spread and become invasive, but it's easy to control them by digging up unwanted plants. Vinca minor Alba | J Parker Dutch Bulbs A fabulous evergreen Periwinkle, that is excellent for ground coverage, with the added bonus of producing brilliant white flowers sitting amongst dark green ovate leaves. Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. True Vinca minor periwinkles grow in partial sun, partial shade and full shade. x 15 in. The quarter-sized flowers appear in late spring. Its flowers are paler similar to phlox in appearance, about an inch across. x 15 in. Phlox-like flowers in summer and fall. Vinca Fantastic groundcover for either damp or dry shade. Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. It prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil. An exception is Catharanthus. She holds a master's degree in journalism. Appearance and Characteristics. Excellent for sloped areas. In the spring brilliant blue, violet, or purple flowers bloom. Vinca minor will root at the leaf nodes so is very useful for tricky situations particularly sloping sites. Vinca grows well on the north side of buildings, where many other plants will not. Sun Exposure and Soil Conditions. Hardiness Zone: Not hardy. A periwinkle ground cover also saves water and labor compared with lawn maintenance. When to plant: After the ground has warmed up in the spring, typically mid-May or later in northern climates. The light conditions in which vinca grows, however, affect the performance of the plant. Vinca may become invasive in some regions, plant with caution. It prefers moist soil that drains well. 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