Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Very easy and reliable. Periwinkle tolerates drought, poor soil, rocky soil and even deer. They are great for underplanting and their trailing habit can be used to great effect in container planting. Vinca can also stand up to drought. Vincas can grow either outdoors or indoors. In a plant that was already reliably drought-tolerant and pest-free, what more could you ask? Annual vinca is a compact plant, growing to about 15 in. Minor or Major Most commonly, the periwinkle you will find in a garden center is Vinca minor . Spring; Summer; Mature Size. Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. Small evergreen leaves form low mats and bear pure white flowers in the spring onwards. After a few years, they tend to spread and become invasive, but it's easy to control them by digging up unwanted plants. Sun; The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). 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. Spread: 12-15 inches. It prefers moist soil that drains well. They do well in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate some drought, although they flower best with regular watering. Here’s a guide to selecting the best varieties for you yard -- and choosing the healthiest vinca plants available at your local store. Here are six of the best ground cover plants for shade or sun gardens. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. Vinca minor will root at the leaf nodes so is very useful for tricky situations particularly sloping sites. This fast growing ground cover grows in either sun or shade. !. Excellent for sloped areas. Very shade tolerant, the leaves will sometimes scorch in too much sun. Sun Exposure Partial Shade or Full Shade Soil Type Normal or Sandy or Clay Soil pH Neutral or Alkaline or Acid Soil Moisture Average or Dry or Moist Care Level Easy . Vinca major prefers to grow in partial shade but will even tolerate deep shade. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Vinca are an excellent trailing or ground cover plant that is certain to look fantastic in … If you’re looking for big, bold color for sunny spots, the annual vinca varieties are probably for you. Pinching means to remove new growth at the tips of the branches so the plant does not become leggy. Vinca minor or Vinca major, the creeping groundcover that is evergreen and has blue flowers in spring will do well in part shade. Heat-loving plants. In many instances, extreme vigor may not be desirable unless the periwinkle plant needs to cover a large area. Vinca ground covers also grow well in the sun. Vinca is fantastic in beds, borders, pots or window boxes. These plants typically have pinwheel-shaped flowers in festive shades of lavender, pink, red, and white. more plants . Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. Vinca, Catharanthus Great as a container plant or in mass plantings, Vinca gives a show of pink, lavender, white or red flowers all summer long. Perennials Plants & Tropical Landscaping Ideas, Creeping Plant With Bright Yellow Flowers. Seeds germinate best when the soil temperatures are over 75° F. Transplant seedlings outdoors once air and … Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. The common, sun-loving vinca has the genus name catharanthus. This evergreen perennial propagates by cuttings and spreads easily, making it a popular ground cover plant. Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. Vinca Major grows in either full sun or part shade. Drought Tolerant. Adams is a certified health educator and a massage practitioner. 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. For best results, plant them in partial shade. It spreads rapidly to form dense plantings that remain attractive all year. They will do well in average soils. It’s an easy-care sun worshipper that also grows fine in the shade. United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Vinca Minor L. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Afternoon sun (about 3pm onward) is FULL SUN. Reported to have improved disease resistance. Multiple five-petaled … The shade tolerant plants for ground cover are also perfect if … Excellent for sloped areas. x 15 in. Vinca is a classic, old-school plant that’s earned its place in our gardens. Catharanthus roseus, and annual flowering plant that somewhat resembles Impatiens prefers full sun. 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. 8 vincas for sale. When you move to a new house (or if you, like me, still don’t really know after years in the same place), spend a day at home and go out every couple hours and record if the area in question is in sun or shade. ... English ivy (Hedera helix) and periwinkle (Vinca sp. Characteristics. Growing upwards to 10 to 16 inches tall, with dark green leaves and five-petal blossoms in pink, mauve or white, these flowers spread quickly and require little care. Vinca or Periwinkle will grow in range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. Periwinkle or creeping mrytle (Vinca minor) is one of the few groundcovers that can tolerate full sun to full shade. Vinca needs little maintenance and deadheading isn’t required. It will also grow in sun if the soil is damp, but in shade it will tolerate some drought. Vinca is available in a range of shades including white, pink, red, purple and lavender. They tolerate deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. Besides shiny dark green, foliage may be … The trailing stems develop roots as it creeps. Space the plants 8 to 10 inches apart and feed them lightly when you first install them. Periwinkle generally has dark green leaves and blue-purple flowers that account for its common name. Plant Type: Annual . Vinca minor vines most commonly put out a blue flower in spring, but the color can also be lavender, purple, or white. The trouble is, it's tempting to keep them anyway, because a sea of blue spring flowers round a garden is breathtakingly … Height: 10-15 inches. Vinca, also known as catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkle, is a popular annual flower. 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. Many spreading, evergreen ground-hugging plants grow better in the shade or partial sun. 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. Vinca minor commonly know as vinca or periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. "Catharanthus" won't grow in shade. Vinca Major is a gorgeous ground cover for shade or sun. The sun, however, causes the plant to produce more flowers. However, periwinkle selections can have flowers that range from white, blue to purple in single or double flowers. Grow vinca as an annual in zones 2 – 8, and as a short-lived perennial in zones 9 – 11. How do you keep Vinca from getting leggy? Gryphon Adams began publishing in 1985. Growing vinca will be successful as long as you meet the plant’s optimal requirements. Growing shade-loving ground cover plants is an excellent choice for plantings under trees or shrubs. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: The Year of the Vinca, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Managing Lawns in Shade. Fertilize vincas every two weeks with a balanced flo… A large-leafed evergreen, Vinca grows equally well in full sun or deep shade. Its lovely. Lavender-blue or white flowers appear in the spring and sporadically all season. Compact and trailing Vincas. They may bloom now and again in summer, too, but the summer display will not be nearly as good as the spring display. Variegated vinca will grow at a relatively fast rate given the right conditions. Doesn't like it's roots too wet, so allow soil to dry a little between waterings. Vinca needs little maintenance, and deadheading isn’t required. Annual vinca is a compact plant, growing to about 15 in. To start vinca from seed, so… It has a mat forming habit and will grow anywhere in the garden, even in shade JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Sep 29, 2019 - Excellent ground cover for sun or shade. Its long life and ability to withstand infrequent watering makes it a good choice for those who prefer to minimize plant care or for a vacation home. x 15 in. Features. It does not need pinching or deadheading. Type: Annual. Spring and early fall are considered the best times to plant myrtle. Soil should be well-drained and amended with organic matter, but vinca does tolerate a wide variety of soils. True Vinca minor periwinkles grow in partial sun, partial shade and full shade. They are both heat and drought tolerant. It can often be found growing along riverbanks as well as in mountainous terrain, CIPC states. With some shade, the leaves tend to be a brighter green than when grown in sun. You can harden them before transplanting by putting them in a sheltered area with partial shade. Colorful, heat tolerant annuals. Myrtle, Also Called Vinca or Periwinkle. The light conditions in which vinca grows, however, affect the performance of the plant. Once they are ready, the plants will grow best five feet apart in a bed with full sun for the following growing season. How To Grow Vinca. The l… Both greater and lesser periwinkle will grow in full sun, but they prefer some shade. Given the right growing conditions, it can be invasive, so keep an eye on it. in height. Although often used as a ground cover due to its creeping ability, potted periwinkle adds texture and color to a shady deck, patio or porch. Pink. Until plants have established and filled in the planting area, provide plenty of weeding and water. Heat Tolerant . they need planty of light but prefer cool temps so the answer is a bit of both Height 25cm Spread 1-1.5m (3-5') Depending on whether you value foliage or flowers, choose a location to plant periwinkle with the according amount of light. Short plants with small, glossy green leaves put on little flowers in periwinkle blue. Vinca is most commonly used as a groundcover due to its low, spreading habit and ability to grow in all light conditions. Here is a link that might be useful: link Red. Appearance and Characteristics. Bloom Color: Burgundy. Its growth rate is moderate to rapid. Vinca Fantastic groundcover for either damp or dry shade. Warning. Also known as Myrtle, and an extremely popular evergreen groundcover. True Vinca minor tolerates a range of light conditions, but not all plants referred to as "vinca" or "periwinkle" are Vinca minor. Tolerates dry shade … Vinca grows well on the north side of buildings, where many other plants will not. Consider underplanting Vinca with snowdrops or dwarf narcissi. more photos . 16" 25" Height. ‘Cora Red’ is an upright variety that will grow 14-16 inches tall. Growing Vinca minor in an edged bed or in containers helps deter it from encroaching on other planting areas. 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Will root at the leaf nodes so is very useful for tricky situations particularly sloping sites, landscaping vinca sun or shade... Manage and vinca sun or shade for container plantings in most soils and works well for erosion control all year prefers... Of light conditions in which vinca grows, however, periwinkle selections can have flowers range.