Periwinkle, also known as Vinca major, is a popular ground cover plant that produces beautiful purple flowers. However, its fast-growing and invasive nature can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked. Getting rid of periwinkle completely can be challenging, but with persistence and the right techniques, it can be done. This comprehensive guide will provide you with effective methods to eliminate this stubborn plant from your yard.
What Does Periwinkle Look Like?
Before getting into removal methods, it’s helpful to understand what periwinkle plants look like. Periwinkle has small oval leaves that remain green throughout the year The leaves are usually about an inch long and have a glossy look
The flowers emerge in spring and range in color from violet-blue to white. They have five petals and grow individually on short stalks. The flowers last for several weeks in spring.
Periwinkle spreads aggressively through both seeds and underground runners. It’s able to root wherever its stems touch the ground. Left alone, it can quickly blanket large areas of up to several feet in diameter.
Why Get Rid of Periwinkle?
While the flowers are quite beautiful, there are some downsides to having periwinkle take over your yard:
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It grows very dense and crowds out other plants, including lawn grass.
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The thick mats provide cover for pests like rodents and snakes.
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It invades gardens, flower beds, and planting areas.
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Periwinkle is difficult to control once established and tends to spread rapidly,
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The root system can damage walls, edging, and hardscapes.
For these reasons, most gardeners seek to remove established periwinkle infestations to reclaim their landscape.
Manual Removal Methods
Manual removal involves getting on your hands and knees and physically pulling out the entire periwinkle plant, including all the roots. Here are some tips to make this easier
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Loosen the soil first with a shovel or garden fork to make pulling less difficult.
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Use a hand trowel or garden knife to sever the roots under the soil as you pull.
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Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from blisters.
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Remove every piece of the plant and roots, even small fragments.
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Bag and discard the plants immediately so they don’t re-root.
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Plan to make several passes over a couple of growing seasons to get all the roots.
Manual removal is straightforward but requires diligence and thoroughness. It also causes the least amount of disturbance to surrounding plants.
Smothering With Mulch or Tarps
Another non-chemical technique is to smother periwinkle under a thick layer of mulch or black plastic. This cuts off light and oxygen to the plant so it eventually dies.
For mulch, use a light-blocking material like wood chips or shredded bark at a depth of 3-4 inches. Overlap the edges to prevent any light penetration.
For tarps, heavyweight black plastic or rubber roofing material works best. Weigh down the edges well and leave in place for at least one full growing season.
The smothering technique avoids chemicals but does take some time. It works best when combined with manual digging.
Applying Herbicides
Using an herbicide specially formulated for periwinkle can provide effective control. Look for products containing triclopyr or glyphosate concentrates. The best application method is as a concentrated spot treatment to actively growing foliage. Here are some tips for success:
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Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
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Apply on a calm day to avoid drift.
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Use a small foam paintbrush to avoid contacting other plants.
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Treat regrowth and new shoots promptly.
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Multiple applications are likely needed for full control.
Herbicides provide strong control but should be used judiciously and as a last resort if manual removal fails. Always exercise proper caution when using.
Preventing Reinfestation
Once you succeed in removing periwinkle, there are some steps you can take to prevent it from returning:
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Carefully monitor the area and promptly dig out any new shoots.
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Cover bare soil with mulch or ground cover plants to prevent reseeding.
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Cut back and remove any plants growing on the perimeter.
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Consider planting aggressive native ground covers like clover or creeping phlox to outcompete periwinkle.
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Maintain optimal lawn health and address bare or thin spots where periwinkle can gain a foothold.
Stop periwinkle in its tracks before it can establish. Early intervention saves much headache down the road.
When Should You Get Started?
The best time to work on removing periwinkle is in early spring when plants are just emerging. Soil also tends to be moist and soft at this time, making plant removal easier.
Focus on high priority areas first, such as garden beds and landscaped areas. Have a plan in place for promptly re-planting cleared spaces so desirable plants can get established.
With persistence, it is possible to fully remove this invasive ground cover and reclaim your yard. Don’t allow periwinkle to completely overwhelm your landscape. Take steps now to eliminate it for good!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get rid of periwinkle?
It usually takes 1-2 growing seasons to fully remove an established periwinkle infestation. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will also be needed after that to prevent regrowth from any remaining roots or seeds.
What is the fastest way to remove periwinkle?
The quickest method is using a non-selective, systemic herbicide containing glyphosate. However, this will also kill any nearby grass and plants. Manual digging is slower but allows better control over what plants are removed.
Does periwinkle come back after removing it?
It’s very likely some roots will be left after removing the bulk of the plant. These can regrow new shoots. Monitor the area and promptly dig out any new growth. After a few seasons of vigilance, it will eventually be eradicated.
What is a good ground cover to replace periwinkle?
Some good periwinkle replacement options include purple heart, creeping phlox, ajuga, thyme, and native violets. Avoid invasive ground covers like ivy and vinca minor which present similar problems to periwinkle.
Does vinegar kill periwinkle?
Plain household vinegar is not strong enough to kill periwinkle when sprayed on the leaves. Products that contain horticultural vinegar at 20% acidity or more can provide control when mixed according to label rates.
Final Thoughts
While periwinkle ground cover might seem like a lost cause, it is possible to get rid of it for good. Be patient, consistent, and thorough in your control efforts. Incorporate multiple methods like manual digging, smothering, and targeted herbicide use for the best results. With time and dedication, you can eradicate this stubborn plant and reclaim your yard!
The Process of Permanent Periwinkle Eradication:
The first step involves removing all the above-ground vines and Periwinkle material using power cutters. The cut material is then transported away, followed by the excavation of the root material.
If necessary, we utilize eco-friendly methods to wipe out Periwinkle. This includes cutting the plant down to its stump and meticulously treating any emerging leaves. The root system eventually dies following this treatment. Our method ensures the safety of other plants and avoids any soil activity or runoff.
Ascent Yard Care, since its establishment in 2017, has successfully eradicated hundreds of Periwinkle infestations.
Be careful of spreading cuttings
Do not leave even small cuttings of periwinkle on the ground. The cuttings will take root and sprout a new plant. It is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag so further spreading does not occur.
An alternative to pulling or digging out the roots is to mow the area regularly. If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective method. Periwinkle grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for it to be effective.
We employ eco-friendly treatments to fully eradicate periwinkle. By precisely treating small new leaves with our targeted approach, we ensure the entire root system dies within a month of treatment. Our treatments are safe and do not harm other plants or affect soil conditions, and there is no risk of run-off.
Cut the periwinkle to ground level. Cover the area in an opaque tarp or sheet of plastic. It is very important no light can pass through the covering. This will prevent the periwinkle from photosynthesizing and the plants and root system will eventually die after one year or more of being covered.
We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC.
“Periwinkle,” also known as “Vinca,” is an intrusive and invasive plant species widely spread across Vancouver Island. This plant is known for its ability to generate dense mats that quickly expand. It possesses a far-reaching root system that can sprout new plants as far as 20 feet away. Forests are an ideal environment for it, where it forms thick blankets that overtake native species, harming the ecosystem.
Periwinkles invasiveness can be attributed to several factors:
- The plants ability to form large clusters that can cover acres
- Its extensive root system that continuously produces and disperses new plants
- Its stems can root and generate new plants
- It exhibits an exceptional level of growth resilience and vigor, capable of regrowing after cutting