Vinca Major vs Vinca Minor: Key Differences Between These Popular Ground Covers

Vinca major and vinca minor are two very popular ground cover plants often used in gardens and landscapes. With their glossy green leaves and beautiful flowers, it’s easy to see why they are garden favorites. But if you are trying to decide between using vinca major or vinca minor, it helps to understand the key differences between these two plants. This article will compare vinca major vs vinca minor to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Plant Descriptions

Both vinca major and vinca minor are trailing perennials that spread along the ground. They have shiny, dark green leaves and produce purple-blue flowers However, there are some notable physical differences between the two plants

• Size: Vinca major grows much larger than vinca minor. Mature height for vinca major can reach up to 90 cm compared to only 40 cm for vinca minor.

• Leaves Vinca major has broader, heart-shaped leaves. Vinca minor leaves are smaller and narrower with a lance shape

• Flowers: The blooms of vinca major are nearly twice the size of vinca minor flowers. They are showier and more prominent.

Growth Habit and Spread

Vinca major and vinca minor both spread along the ground and form mats. However vinca minor is easier to control and keep contained.

Vinca minor grows at a slower, more manageable rate than vinca major. It also tends to stay low, close to the ground rather than extending upward.

Vinca major is more aggressive and vigorous. It can quickly get out of control, overtaking other plants and spreading beyond intended boundaries.

Both plants spread by long stems that root at nodes. But vinca minor’s stems are not as extensive as vinca major.

For these reasons, vinca minor is usually a better choice if you want to avoid a rapidly spreading, weedy ground cover. Vinca major requires more maintenance to keep it within bounds.

Growing Conditions

Vinca major and vinca minor share similar needs in terms of preferred growing conditions:

• Sun: Both tolerate partial shade to full sun. However, they produce more prolific flowers in sunnier locations.

• Soil: Well-draining soil with average moisture is ideal. But both will tolerate poorer soils if drainage is adequate.

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. They can handle cold winters and moderate frosts when established.

• Water: Require weekly watering until established. Mature plants have better drought tolerance but bloom best with regular moisture.

Overall, both vinca vines are adaptable and low-maintenance once established. The key is providing well-drained soil and at least partial sun.

Bloom Season

One of the main reasons to grow vinca major or vinca minor is for their flowers. The bloom time for both is quite extensive:

• Flowers appear in early spring and last through fall frost.

• Peak bloom is usually in May but varies by climate.

• Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.

You can expect months of color from either vinca variety. However, vinca major produces slightly larger, showier flowers.

Maintenance Needs

To keep either vinca major or vinca minor looking their best, minimal care and maintenance is required:

• Watering: Water weekly until established, then only during drought.

• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

• Pruning: Trim back wayward stems and deadhead spent flowers to encourage compact growth and blooms.

• Weeding: Remove competing weeds, which these vines readily overwhelm.

• Division: Replace or divide congested areas every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.

Vinca major will likely need more frequent pruning and division to control its vigorous growth. But in general, maintenance needs are modest for either variety.

Propagation

Vinca major and vinca minor both propagate easily from stem cuttings and division:

• Stem cuttings: Take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring or summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep moist until rooted.

• Division: Dig up established clumps and divide into smaller sections. Replant 12-18 inches apart.

• Seeds: Seeds can be sown indoors early in the season but take longer to establish than other methods.

These simple techniques allow you to expand your vinca planting for free with minimal effort.

Landscaping Uses

When it comes to landscaping applications, vinca major and vinca minor both make excellent ground cover plants, but there are some differences in their best uses:

• Vinca minor: Ideal for smaller garden beds and borders. Also effective in rock gardens, along paths, and on slopes.

• Vinca major: Best for very large areas, steep banks, and sloped landscapes where erosion control is needed. Can overtake smaller spaces.

• Containers: Both work well in pots and hanging baskets. Vinca minor suits smaller containers better.

Consider the size of the space you want to cover when choosing between these two. Vinca minor is better for most home landscape uses. Reserve vinca major for large areas where substantial erosion control is required.

Invasive Potential

An important distinction between vinca major vs. vinca minor is their potential to become invasive weeds:

• Vinca major is considered a more aggressive, invasive plant, especially in certain regions. It spreads rapidly and can overwhelm native plants.

• Vinca minor is still used widely in landscaping and is less prone to become a problematic weed. However, it can easily spread from gardens if not properly contained.

To prevent issues, plant either species responsibly by removing spent flowers, pruning back spread, and monitoring boundaries. Vinca minor is the safer choice when invasiveness is a concern.

Key Takeaways

To summarize the key points when comparing vinca major and vinca minor:

• Vinca major grows larger with bigger leaves and showier blooms. Vinca minor is smaller in all respects.

• Vinca major is fast growing and aggressive. Vinca minor is easier to control.

• Both offer months of purple-blue blooms from spring through fall.

• Maintenance needs are low provided vigorous growth is restrained through pruning and division.

• Invasive potential is lower with vinca minor compared to the spreading vinca major.

• Vinca minor suits most home landscape uses. Use vinca major only for large areas needing substantial erosion control.

Consider these differences carefully before choosing one of these adaptable, flowering ground covers for your garden. With their evergreen foliage and long bloom time, both vinca major and vinca minor provide terrific year-round interest.