companion plants for vinca minor
Annual Vinca Plants. The shiny green leaves are set off by the multiple five-petaled blooms, which appear continuously. Attractive to butterflies but ignored by deer! For best results, plant them in partial shade. Clothes of 40-50% degrees are recommended for coleus plants. Do I need to bring in a periwinkle in the winter? Its very similar to Biokovo, which would also work, but St. So, balance is important for its best growth. While looking for good vinca companion plants, be careful not to settle for the wrong plants as they can become invasive around your vinca plant, suffocating it to death. Blooming from spring to early fall, 5-petaled, single, pure white flowers, 1 in. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. Step 1. Vinca minor vines have a low sprawling habit, typically growing 3 to 6 inches in height and 18 inches in length. 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. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Theres a substantial expanse of Vinca in Minneapoliss Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. They tolerate poor soils but would do better in well-draining soils. 40% means that the cloth will block out 40% of the sunlight. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center. Water it only when the top inch of potting soil is dry. This is the hardier and smaller plant of the two main speciesminor in Latin means smaller. No serious insect problems but vinca stem canker (blight) can damage or kill large patches. Plant your vinca in a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot that has a minimum of one drainage hole. Tolerates close to full shade. Fortunately, there are plenty of good periwinkle alternatives that will give you attractive groundcover without the risks of an invasive plant. The plant could last the user a very long period, depending on how well it maintains health. 4. Zones 4-9. As long as you catch them early, they are easy enough to pull up as they spread, and they certainly don't mind a good haircut every now and then. No matter where you are, it's best to stay on top of them to keep them in bounds. Indiana: Distribution: VIMI2: Cullina, M.D., B. Connolly, B. Sorrie, and P. Somers. Vinca Minor Ground Cover Problems. Foliage will mound up to 6" tall. Versatile ground cover for shady areas. Some of my favorite hikes are ones where you come across old homesteads in the middle of nowhere. Ford 3000 Tractor Review: Should You Purchase It. The stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of lustrous foliage. So whats the right place for Periwinkle? Evergreen ones. 1. Consult your local cooperative extension office before planting to learn the status of the plant in your area. Hmmmm. Annual vinca grows 12 to 18 inches tall and comes in pink, purple, red, white, magenta, and bi-colors. Shes also on the Board of Greenbelt Access TV. Tough, low-maintenance, and pest-free, Vinca minor (commonly known as periwinkle) has pretty broadleaf foliage and flowers that thrive in the sun or shade. It is frequently planted as an annual, as it is not cold-hardy. I used tiny 1-inch plants, and kept them watered for the first summer we were here. Shade clothes come in different degrees. I choose not to use it in my landscape as it would crowd out and overwhelm my other shade perennials, plus my yard borders woodlands. GUEST RANTS Plant 8" apart for quick cover of smaller areas. However, be mindful that direct sunlight can cause sunburn. No surprise that successful ground covers can, in the wrong place, do their job too TOO well. The vascular plants of Indiana: A computer based checklist. SKU. The vinca group of plants provides a wide variety of options to suit a range of garden needs across the U.S. Vinca minor is a particularly popular, low-growing vine that serves as a ground cover. They are better for the soil, air, water, insects, birds, dont require (and dont want) fertilizer, and there are so many to choose from. While common periwinkle is an attractive plant, there are over 30 varieties available. The brilliant flowers come in a wide range of colors that will fit in any garden. The sweet potato vine grows pretty quickly. This evergreen perennial is perfect for planting beneath tree canopies, or cascading over a low wall or container. Grows in sun & shade. essential elements like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, How To Fix Garbage Disposal Jam (3 Potent Ways), Septic Tank Full Of Water Not Draining (How To Fix), 18 Plants With Heart Shaped Leaves (Indoor & Outdoor), 7 Common Kubota L4701 Problems + Solutions, 5 Common Kubota Gr2120 Problems + Solutions. As periwinkle plants grow, they have a knack for laying down roots wherever their stems come in contact with soil. Like the vinca plant, this annual plant grows leaves in various colors, making it easier for you to pair with your vinca plants. In this photo its seen covering much of the ground layer in the Treman State Park in Upstate New York. Water deeply and keep the soil moist for a couple of months to give the roots time to develop; after that, only water when the soil is dry to 1 inch. I attended a seminar on finding old cemeteries and we were informed that when you find patches of by vInca in the woods you are likely standing on one. Vinca major is a larger plant with bigger leaves, flowers, and habit. Apart from purple, the plant comes in several other beautiful colors, like red and orange. Periwinkle prefers slightly acidic soil that drains well. Plant 8 in. Lets get started without any further ado! Having these scattered across your property along with vincas all year can be wonderful. Pat down the soil around the plant roots, then water thoroughly. Vinca flowers add a splash of eye-catching color to your home garden. Go native and you wont go back. Contact Susanvia email or by leaving a comment on one of her articles. Periwinkle can come back every year as a perennial when planted in warmer climates but is an annual in cooler regions. It does best in well-draining soil. In my garden, the purple-brown foliage of heucheras makes a wonderful companion for small bulbs, like these 'White Magic' Grape Hyacinths. Vinca flower, also known as periwinkle, is one of the most dependable and long-blooming flowers for your garden. (Answered). The hardy, evergreen vinca is loved for its glossy, leathery leaves that maintain their shape all year long. Soil Vinca minor vines require good drainage. Can You Convert Bobcat Standard Controls to Joystick? The dahlia is a famous plant native to both central parts of America and even Mexico. Hardy in zone 10. You need smaller plants with shallow roots, are drought tolerant, and love shade when planting under maple trees. Founding two resource websites: Good Gardening Videos that recommends science-based gardening videos on YouTube; and DC Gardens, the nonprofit campaign to promote thepublic gardens of the Washington, D.C. area, and gardening by locals. Coleus is the second kind of plant that complements vinca nicely. All that is required of you is that the plant receives appropriate maintenance. The plant is also perennial, so its going to serve you for a number of years. So, choose a spot that receives enough sunlight. Marigolds are a classic and somewhat old-fashioned annual. I think it survives along the edge of the garden because of runoff from the road. Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. I like what one commenter onHouzzhas to say: As with any so-called invasive plant, its invasive properties are determined by location and planting situationIt doesnt play all that well with smaller, herbaceous perennials, as it can easily overwhelm and smother them. And more importantly, how to grow those companion plants? The first thing you notice are the small patches of domestic plants here and there, including vinca. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If the vines are properly cared for, they will immediately begin to spread over your garden. Control weeds with mulch until plants fill in. It seems like every garden has a tricky dark corner where no grass will grow and perennials fizzle out. bonnie in provence. Evergreen heucheras, especially those with purple foliage . Susan co-founded GardenRant and also wrote for national gardening magazines and independent garden centers before retiring in 2014. So, it would be best to plant it after frost. Most commonly, the periwinkle you find in a garden center is Vinca minor. It just takes a shift of mindset in terms of what is beautiful, from what you may have learned growing up. It is grown as an annual in colder areas and must be brought inside to survive. Accept For best results, plant them in partial shade. Spring. Used often as a groundcover or an edging plant, lilyturf or liriope is popular for a good reason. On the other hand, a friend who lives in a more low-lying part of the area has it coming up everywhere the water table is high and it gets a lot more moisture. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. Vinca minor, also known as just vinca or periwinkle, is a fast growing, easy groundcover. Plant 8 in. All coop members are required to cover the ground in their (mostly shady) yards, and banning the shade-loving, pest-free, evergreen Periwinkle leaves us with very few choices mainly Pachysandra and Liriope. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow vinca indoors 12-15 weeks before the last frost. Enter periwinkle. PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS & CONDITIONS|SITE MAP|DON'T SELL MY INFO. In addition, these plants do not tolerate frosts, so if you can, you should take these pants indoors during the winter so they can last longer. Use the upright, creeping Madagascar periwinkle in mass planting beds, xeriscapes, and borders. So long as you keep this in mind, the flowers will bloom each spring and last you the rest of the season. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. What to plant? The plants have shallow roots, so you will not have to dig too deep. Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. Several flower color options are available - pink, purple, red, white, magenta - to lend a splash of intensity. Madagascar periwinkle is quite different from these two plants; Its a tender perennial treated as an annual outside of zones 10 and 11, and its also a bedding plant that grows in full sun. Dozens of plant species are listed as invasive in Gunera, Flickr,Kluciar Ivan/Shutterstock. However, Vinca major is less hardy and is, therefore, less often seen, especially in northern . Thus you can leave the dwarf periwinkle in the garden, even in winter. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. PUBLIC GARDENS Vinca minor could also experience canker lesions on the stem. Read our. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Although it can survive without water, it is recommended to water it at least once or twice a week. Depending on which variety of periwinkle you have, the plant may even tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees. Vinca was planted on the graves for the evergreen foliage as a symbol of never forgetting those that had passed. Watering. Evergreen in most climates. This article may contain some affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on any of teh links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. . USDA Zone. Tolerates close to full shade but flowers best in full sun. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Dahlia is excellent and goes well with many other plants due to its ability to stay both under the sun and in the shade. Azomite vs Dolomite Can They Be Interchanged? Attractive to butterflies but ignored by deer! Periwinkle plants don't have severe pest problems, but they can fall prey to aphids, scale, or spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Don't despair if the area under your willow tree looks like it needs something to make it look more interesting. I totally agree with the comment made by Dave (above). Vinca minor 'Bowles' Pronunciation: VING-ka MI-nor. A skillful combination of locally native woodland plants like the ones in Jacqueline and Astrids comments would give the most seasonal interest and benefits for animal life. Plant periwinkle in spring or fall in a partially shaded area using nursery plants. You dont know how your invasive planted in your yard is going to spread. Below, we will look at the best companion plants for vinca! Plants that are invasive only along streams or in regions with mild winters can get banned from places where theyre no threat at all. Vinca minor vines are often planted beneath mature trees, where most lawn grass struggles with the lack of available sun. So, which plants can accompany your Vinca? Before planting it, check the soil and make sure it is not dried out. For example, if two plants love the sun, require similar fertilizer needs and one is taller while the other is a spreader, they will probably be great companion plants in a pot or hanging . I spent some biggish bucks paying a company to spray an acre of vinca that the former owners planted near my house which is located in a rural area near a natural area. We are gardeners!!!! Vinca minor is a popular ground cover plant is a smaller version of its vigorous relative, greater periwinkle. Vinca minor is an evergreen ground cover that spreads by rooted stems. Ive gathered rhizomes from these over the years and have them in my garden, all different colors. This tough-as-nails shade lover seems to look increasingly lush year after year without needing much care. This is often exactly what you want out of a ground cover. One of the best groundcovers for shade, displaying large, violet-blue, pinwheel-shaped flowers against glossy dark green leaves. There is no burning bush planted near my house, yet I have found it growing in my woods and it is a bear to get rid of. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) is a vigorous, evergreen mat-forming perennial with glossy dark green leaves and large lavender blue flowers from mid-spring to early summer. Periwinkle is a perennial in Zones 4-9, where it usually survives the winter outdoors. They don't usually attract deer but can have a problem with slugs. wide (2.5 cm), emerge above the foliage. apart (20 cm) for quick cover of smaller areas. This can help identify the species. Water the vinca only when the surrounding soil becomes completely dry. Blooms. This plant has low severity poison characteristics. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This is a start to a list that could go on and on. tall, spreading indefinitely. Through its masses of broad green foliage delicate blue flowers emerge during the April and May months. When looking for companion plants for your vinca vine, look for plants that have similar growing needs. DEAR GARDENER I live in the suburban urban sprawl I have problems with Japanese honeysuckle, porcelain Berry, devils vine, creeping charle and trees of heaven these i hate and feel need outlawing! What plants do you recommend be used in shade instead of Vinca minor? Shade clothes are usually made of loosely woven polyester, and they let just enough sunlight pass through. Caring for Vinca During Winter. tall with trailing vines up to 18 in. A significant factor that affects how your coleus would act is the temperature in that area because the coleus would act better under sunlight or high heat. A. These plants are related to sunflowers, zinnias, and even daisies, and even if these flowers look pretty similar, you will notice that the shape of their flowers is entirely different. Prefers moist, humusy soils in part shade. As you may guess, major means bigger. YOUR GARDENING DOLLAR Coleus is another excellent plant that can go well with the vinca plants. Vincas love sunlight, just like the dahlias, so there wouldnt be a problem with them staying together in that aspect. The cheery flowers on vinca are accented by glossy green leaves. The long, trailing stems root at the nodes as they go along the ground to form a dense carpet of rich foliage. WHOS RANTING ABOUT US The periwinkle will root in two to four weeks. Back home, heres a patch of Periwinkle between my front yard and a parking lot. Evergreen. Vinca Sun Or Shade: Where Should You Keep It? Dig all the way around the clump of the plant that you want to transplant and lift it up. Creates a mat 6 in. Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert' (Lesser Periwinkle), Vinca minor 'Illumination' (Lesser Periwinkle), Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety' (Lesser Periwinkle), Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Solomon's Seal), Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle), Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca major (Big Periwinkle), Want Garden Inspiration? Another plant that can be considered a vinca companion is the sweet potato vine. If you want to grow companion plants for vinca, this article is for you. Borne over a long period, they contrast well against the foliage and are valuable for enlivening dark areas. This can be important on the side of a hill, where soil erosion might be a problem. In spite of all of these benefits, it does have one drawback. Variegated cultivars are particularly attractive. Vinca is available in a range of shades including, white, pinks, red, purple, and lavender. Dahlia. If needed, carefully add water to the soil or mist the cutting. Blue- violet flowers are composed of five fused petals and can be found blooming in . Growing Partridgeberries: Using Partridgeberry Ground Cover In Gardens, Periwinkle Care - How To Grow Periwinkle Plants, Are All Juniper Berries Edible Is It Safe To Eat Juniper Berries, Beatrix Potter: Mycologist, Illustrator, And Author, Learn About Wild Peony Varieties Native To California, Creeping Fig On A Wall How To Get Creeping Fig To Climb, Firecracker Vine Plant How To Care For Firecracker Vines, Vines For Plains Gardens Growing Vines In West North Central Region, Annual Vines For Shade: Learn About Shade Tolerant Annual Vines, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Light: Filtered sun, Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade, Partial sun . Start by choosing the right place to grow the dahlia plant. What You Should Know, 3 Options To Put On Tomato Plants To Save From Bugs, Are Ants On Trees Good Or Bad? They too are listed as invasives somewhere and may end up banned, too. You will trip on the vines. Not only will you face trying to manage the vigorous growth of vinca in your own yard, but it can escape and take over natural areas. This subspecies is the most commonly found of the two. The vines need little care. Just being green isnt good enough. Plant the division immediately at the same level it had been growing. Wet the . See below Description. Here Susan rants about anything that misinforms or discourages gardeners from old-school quacks to mistaken do-gooders to local laws that mandate conformity and reports on news from the world of gardening. Cut a 4 to 6-inch stem with leaves but no flowers, and remove any leaves from the bottom third of the cutting. A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving groundcover, it is also. It came to the U.S. from Europe in the 18th century and quickly took off, becoming popular for its fast growth, pretty flowers, and hands-off maintenance. They are completely intolerant of frost, so if you want to bring them in for the winter, be sure to move the plants indoors when night temperatures drop down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. What plants pair well with annual vinca? Genus : Vinca Plant Width : 30 feet or more Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Plant Height : 6 to 12 inches Uses : Containers, Ground Covers, Shade Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant Moisture : Dry to Medium Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Fall, Late Spring, Late Summer, Spring, Summer Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest So, if you live in an area with low temperature, coleus wont be a good option. Some common diseases and pests to this plant include aphids, scales, spider mites, and white flies, and for this, you can use horticultural oils, insecticides, soap, and neem oil to curb some common diseases to affect this plant the fungal leaf spot. The PLANTS Database includes the following 70 data sources of Vinca minor L. - Showing 1 to 25 . Im not going to walk on Hellebores or many of the others mentioned as alternatives. This createsa problem where itis competing with nativeflora., Moving west, aCalifornia sourcesays it tends to become invasive in hot Mediterranean climates.. They'll also grow in poor soil that dries out a bit, but not as vigorously. This plant grows with leaves of different colors that can spread around your garden fast. And finally, just because a plant isnt on the states list of invasive doesnt mean it isnt a problem. I really apprecisted reading your article. We cannot currently ship this product to your zip code. Space 4 to 5 ft. apart as groundcover. Really, just do some research. Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert' (Lesser Periwinkle), Vinca minor 'Illumination' (Lesser Periwinkle), Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety' (Lesser Periwinkle), Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Solomon's Seal), Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle), Native Plant Alternatives to Vinca major (Big Periwinkle), Want Garden Inspiration? Not sure which Vinca - Periwinkle to pick? David Beaulieu (formerly of About.com, now writing for The Spruce) suggests it as a lawn replacement under trees and lists its many advantages: Because of their ability to root and spread, they can help hold the soil in place. To divide vinca minor, take these easy steps: Vinca minor will attract all the typical indoor and outdoor pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. This makes them a great option for preventing weeds from growing between their dense mats of foliage. Remember that the temperature significantly impacts the growth of your plants, and just like every other plant, coleus also requires sunlight to prepare its food. Ornamental Gardening. To receive new GardenRant articles by email. Space them about a footapart if you want to fill in an area quickly. Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Light. Vinca vine, or periwinkle, is a flowering groundcover. The warmer, the better. Photo: Julie Boudreau. Plant it on steep banks for erosion control, as a bedding plant or in planters and window boxes. Therefore, if your vine is not growing properly, consider fertilizing it. Managing Pests in Gardens: Floriculture: Vinca. All thrive in moisture-retaining, humus-rich soil and tolerate dry conditions. REGULAR GARDENS Try These 7 Tips, Do Ants Like Coconut Oil? Im sure Ive missed some, and I may not have used the updated genus/species names for all of these, but Im sure you can find several good candidates from this list. Botanical Name: Vinca minor. Marigolds bring beneficial insects to your garden and are a great companion plant for a vegetable garden. tall, spreading 2 to 3 ft. wide. Periwinkle. Sweet potato vines require a warm temperature for them to grow healthy, so if you take proper care of its vines and place it under the right weather with the right amount of watering, be ready to watch your plant last for a longer time. I wish invasives werent lumped together as they so often are with little or no details as to how, where, and under what conditions they can damage other plants or natural areas. Where is this species invasive in the US. I regularly see Vinca minor in the middle of the forest, miles from a house. You know its an old homestead when you poke around a bit and find bits of old foundation, cast iron stove parts, or other castaways of domestic life. Missouri Botanical Garden. Vinca minor is a very robust plant and it is also winterhart. If its deciduous shade there are also sweet little bulbs galore. Absolutely! Although it is a long-lived plant, it can suffer from many diseases, especially in humid, wet climates. UNUSUALLY CLEVER PEOPLE Common periwinkle is considered an invasive species in parts of the United States. Both look very similar but vinca major is cold-hardy and a bit larger than vinca minor. Although this is a vigorous plant, it can quickly get diseases from moist and wet areas. Good for use in firescaping. Daffodils Die Big, Dumb, Dramatic, B-Grade, Silent Movie Deaths: Worth it. Vinca is able to stand up to all types of adverse conditions and not only survive, but thrive. Plant it in full sun to partial or dappled shade in moist, well-drained soil. Why Do I Keep Finding Peanut Shells in My Yard? Companion Plants: Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra); Hosta . How did it get there? Plant annual vinca in a hanging basket, spilling over with small flowers or variegated foliage. The prostrate-growing shoots of lesser periwinkle root where they touch the ground and gradually spread to form dense carpets of foliage. Video-blogging about hoop dancing on her channel Susans Hoop Dance Journey, which launched in 2023. This striking plant exhibits lavender violet flowers with cream keels on a distinct vase-like growth habit. Common Vinca Companion Plants Here are a few plants that you can grow to accompany vinca. . Borne over a long period, they continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall and are valuable for enlivening dark areas. When using as a groundcover, plant 8 inches apart for quick cover of smaller areas and 12 to 18 inches apart for large areas. It inhabits open to shady sites including forests and often escapes from old homesites., TheState of Indiana says: Once established, Vinca minor forms a densecarpet to the exclusion ofother plants. Unfortunately, there is no sure cure for this, so whenever your plant develops this disease, you should prune that part off to ensure it doesnt spread to other plants. Here are some good vinca vine alternatives to consider for your yard, broken down by sunlight needs: Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality. Vinca plants require soils that drain well to be able to thrive. I love Vinca and grow it in my backyard garden. Leaves are simple, opposite, shiny, 2 inches long and taper at both ends. It is equally adept at colonising poor, dry, slightly shaded . Ajuga reptans or Bugleweed has been selected here by Arthur Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. One of the best groundcovers for shade, displaying large, violet-blue, pinwheel-shaped flowers against glossy dark green leaves. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. It can grow up to 10 feet long in a single season. Carefully remove the periwinkle plants from the nursery containers and plant them in a hole large enough to hold the root system at the same level as in the nursery containers. Most often the problem is seeding, which is not considered by many comments in this article. Vinca minor 'Bowles' Variety' All 9 results here Alphabetical list of all 4,000+ perennials here Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert' Periwinkle USDA Zone: 3-9 Plant number: 7.655.260 Also known as Myrtle. In spite of all of these benefits, it does have one drawback. Annual Vinca plants produce an abundance of colorful blooms held above emerald green, glossy foliage from early summer until frost. 5 Reasons Why Avocado Leaves Are Dropping. See Also: Orange Rocket Barberry Companion Plants. Glacial Rock Dust vs Azomite- Which One Should You Use? These plants are related to sunflowers, zinnias, and even daisies, and even if these flowers look pretty similar, you will notice that the shape of their flowers is entirely different.