Is creeping periwinkle invasive?

Periwinkle has escaped cultivation and is invading natural areas throughout the eastern U.S. It inhabits open to shady sites including forests and often escapes from old homesites.

Is periwinkle an invasive plant?

First introduced to California for ornamental and medicinal purposes, big periwinkle has escaped garden landscaping and is now invasive in coastal counties, the foothills, the central valley, and some desert counties. Big periwinkle spreads rapidly, especially in riparian areas, creeks, and drainages.

Is dwarf periwinkle invasive?

Known as creeping myrtle, common periwinkle and dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor), this smaller of the periwinkles is the appropriate choice because it is not considered invasive. Take measures to avoid planting the larger, invasive species sometimes referred to as large periwinkle (Vinca major).

Is common periwinkle invasive?

Invasive Species: Vinca minor, Common Periwinkle. Common periwinkle, a common invader throughout most of the United States, is an evergreen to semievergreen trailing vine that reaches up to 6.6 ft. Vines can reach a height of 6 in. (15.2 cm).

Will periwinkle choke out other plants?

Although some gardeners prize periwinkle as an attractive, effective ground cover plant, this perennial evergreen has a darker side — in favorable growing conditions, it spreads indefinitely and can overwhelm other plants.

Will periwinkle take over grass?

Periwinkle is quick to grow and spread. It does well in places other ground covers, such as grass, will not take hold. Periwinkle’s simple needs makes it a great favorite for landscaping.

How do you keep periwinkle under control?

Growing periwinkle in containers or sites where its stems can’t touch the soil, removing it manually, and spraying it with a systemic weedkiller such as glyphosate, all provide control.

Is periwinkle a good ground cover?

Periwinkle grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade.

How do I stop periwinkle from spreading?

Cut periwinkle plants with pruning shears in late spring or early fall when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a weed whip for large patches. Spray the cut stems with a ready-to-use, 5-percent glyphosate weedkiller.

How do you get rid of vinca?

Pull the vinca and its roots when the ground is slightly moist. For larger areas, in clay soil, or where the roots run so deep that they break, use a weeding tool to help. A hand-held, steel-tined tool can loosen the soil for easier vinca removal. Seal all plant parts in a plastic bag and discard.

Is Vinca minor the same as Periwinkle?

The perennial periwinkle should not be confused with the bedding plant, Madagascar periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ). Periwinkle ( Vinca minor) is an excellent evergreen groundcover with dark green foliage. Oblong to ovate leaves are opposite, simple, ½ to 2 inches long, glossy, with a short petiole.

What does a periwinkle plant look like?

Periwinkle ( Vinca minor) is an excellent evergreen groundcover with dark green foliage. Oblong to ovate leaves are opposite, simple, ½ to 2 inches long, glossy, with a short petiole. They exude a milky juice when broken. Flowers are purple, blue or white depending on the cultivar. Plants bloom in March or April and sometimes again in the fall.

What is wrong with my variegated periwinkle?

‘Variegata’ has creamy white blotches on the leaves. Flowers are blue and plants are sometimes known as ‘Elegantissima.’ Periwinkle is susceptible to dieback (plants wilt and “die back” to the ground), caused by fungal diseases. Cankers, which are sunken, wound-like lesions, may be visible on the stem near the ground-line.

How many different types of periwinkles are there?

There are two genera in the plant family – Catharanthus or Madagascar periwinkles, and Vinca or European periwinkles—as well as three genera in the animal family – Littorina littorea or the common periwinkle, the Nodilittorina unifasciata or blue periwinkle, and Littorina saxatilis or rough periwinkle.