Don’t be fooled by the adorable periwinkle flowers and evergreen leaves. Vinca is EVIL. I let it fester in my yard for too long, but I have finally choked out this invasive plant.
Since vinca is more attractive, less invasive, and still sold in some stores, it finds its way into the yards of unsuspecting gardeners. Then it gradually decimates all life. Here it is coming for my tree, killing my star jasmine and moving into my neighbor’s yard.
Luckily, because it’s not as bad as ivy, vinca can be a bit easier to remove. Instead of the black plastic solarization method I used on ivy, I went with the cardboard and mulch smothering method to get rid of vinca.
Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, is a popular ground cover known for its glossy foliage and pretty blue or purple flowers. However, its fast-growing and aggressive nature can quickly turn this plant into a nuisance weed. If left unchecked, vinca vine can easily take over gardens and yards, choking out other plants. Getting rid of established vinca can be challenging, but with persistence and the right techniques, it is possible to reclaim your space. This comprehensive guide will provide effective strategies to control vinca vine and restore balance to your landscape.
Identifying Invasive Vinca Varieties
There are over 50 species of vinca plants, but only a few are considered aggressive invaders. The most problematic varieties are Vinca major and Vinca minor. These fast-spreading plants can grow indefinitely, producing long trailing stems that root at the nodes. Their rapid growth allows them to displace slower-growing native plants and prevents the germination of seeds from other species. Watch for these signs to identify invasive vinca:
- Forms a dense mat of growth that smothers other plants
- Displays aggressive and quick spread
- Has long vining stems that root at the nodes
- Overtakes and displaces other groundcover plants
- Prevents the germination of seeds from other plants
Effective Removal Techniques
Getting rid of established vinca requires persistence. You’ll need to use a combination of manual removal, chemical treatment, and smothering techniques based on the extent of the infestation.
Manual Removal
For small patches manual removal may be the best approach. This involves digging out the plants entirely, including all the root fragments. Here are some useful tips for manual removal
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from skin irritation
- Carefully dig around the plant using a spade or trowel
- Gently loosen the soil to make it easier to pull the vines
- Slowly pull the vines, getting as much of the root system as possible
- Remove any remaining root fragments left in the soil
- Properly dispose of the plant material, do not compost it
Manual removal works best when the soil is moist, so aim to pull the vines after rain or water the area first. Be sure to remove every piece of the plant, as vinca can easily regrow from the smallest root fragment left behind.
Chemical Control
For large areas overtaken by vinca, using an herbicide may be the most practical approach. Glyphosate or triclopyr are effective chemicals for killing vinca. Follow these guidelines for safe chemical control:
- Select an herbicide specially formulated for vinca/periwinkle
- Carefully read and follow all label instructions
- Apply on a calm day to avoid drift onto desirable plants
- Use a targeted applicator wand to control application
- Wear proper protective gear during application
- Avoid runoff into drainage areas or ponds
It will take patience as the chemicals work to fully kill the vinca. Monitor the area and do spot treatments as needed on any regrowth.
Smothering Techniques
Smothering vinca with mulch or landscape fabric starves the plant by cutting off light and air circulation. It’s an eco-friendly option compared to herbicides. Here’s how to smother vinca:
- Mow down/weed whack excess growth first for easier application
- Layer cardboard or 3-4 sheets of newspaper over the plants
- Overlap the layers by 6 inches to prevent any gaps
- Wet the layers to help keep them in place initially
- Cover with 4-6 inches of mulch or soil
Check periodically for any shoots emerging from the edges and remove them. It may take several months for the vinca to die off completely.
Preventing Regrowth and Reinfestation
Unfortunately, vinca is extremely resilient, making follow-up maintenance essential to prevent regrowth. Here are some useful tips:
- Monitor areas weekly and pull any new sprouts
- Reapply cardboard/mulch layers if shoots persist
- Treat regrowth spots with targeted herbicide
- Maintain a thick layer of mulch to suppress growth
- Solarize problem areas using clear plastic in summer
- Establish desirable plantings not vulnerable to vinca
Vinca spreads primarily by sending out surface runners that root easily. Keeping growth mowed or trimmed prevents it from taking over large areas. Be vigilant and do not allow vinca plants to go to seed, as seeds spread readily.
Recovering the Area After Vinca Removal
Once vinca has been eliminated, the affected area will need rehabilitation. Follow these steps to restore the space:
- Remove all dead material and roots
- Work compost into the soil to improve fertility
- Replant with native flowers or groundcovers
- Use anti-erosion measures like jute netting if needed
- Mulch new plantings to suppress weeds and retain moisture
- Water plantings daily until established
- Monitor for and remove vinca regrowth
Select plants adapted to the light and soil conditions of the area. Native species are ideal choices as they easily establish, aid biodiversity, and are less prone to vinca invasion. With persistence and proper restoration practices, your garden can once again thrive after removing invasive vinca vines.
Tips for Controlling Vinca Growth
If you wish to retain vinca as a groundcover in your landscape, here are some tips to keep it under control:
Prune Vigorously
- Trim vinca back to 6 inches twice a year
- Prune aggressively before flowering to reduce spread
- Mow edges routinely to contain growth
Manage Growing Conditions
- Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing which spur growth
- Grow vinca in part shade to limit spread
- Remove spent flowers to curb self-seeding
Use Barriers
- Surround vinca with a border of aluminum flashing 10-12 inches deep
- Install landscape edging around vinca beds
- Grow more aggressive plants like ivy around edges to compete
Monitor and Remove Runners
- Inspect vinca beds weekly for long runners
- Carefully pull and discard runners encroaching on other areas
- Solarize edges in summer with clear plastic to kill roots
With close oversight and prompt action on excessive growth, vinca can be maintained as an attractive groundcover without turning invasive.
Vinca may seem like a difficult weed to remove, but armed with the right techniques, you can reclaim your landscape. The key is utilizing a multifaceted approach that includes manual removal, chemical treatment, and smothering to fully eliminate the plant. Stay vigilant in preventing regrowth and properly restore the space with native plants suited to the conditions. With time and persistence, you can eradicate vinca vine and cultivate a healthy, thriving garden environment.
How to Kill Vinca With Cardboard
This easy method will work on a variety of invasive plants. Here’s how it works.
- Gloves
- Weed wacker or lawn mower (and safety gear)
- Cardboard
- Wood chips
- Rake
Remove Vinca From Nearby Plants
When left unchecked, vinca tends to invade surrounding plants, shrubs, trees…mailboxes, decks. Start by carefully pulling it away from everything you want to keep in your yard.
Try to rip out the vinca roots, since these areas won’t be under the smothering cardboard. Gardening gloves help.
Vinca was growing through my star jasmine plant, and it was tricky to tell the vines apart. The star jasmine had brown vines with some new green shoots, while the vinca had thinner, all green vines.
I sifted through the star jasmine and removed all the vinca I could find.
Vinca was also starting to climb up my tree and damage the bark. I gently pulled it off the tree.
Removing Invasive Vinca: Front Yard Bed Redesign Part 1 – QG Day 86
FAQ
Will vinegar kill Vinca vine?
For last year’s science fair I found an effective and natural way to kill the invasive species V. minor using vinegar. The herbicides used commonly on this pest are harmful to the environment and the people who used them, and can limit future plant growth.
How do you remove invasive Vinca?
The most effective way to remove this invasive vine growing in the ground layer is to hand pull and uproot an area. Although this can be time consuming, you will have the least amount of regrowth and damage to native plants. In areas where thick mats have formed, a hard rake can be helpful in getting started.
Will Roundup kill Vinca?
How deep are Vinca roots?
How do you get rid of Vinca?
When left unchecked, vinca tends to invade surrounding plants, shrubs, trees…mailboxes, decks. Start by carefully pulling it away from everything you want to keep in your yard. Try to rip out the vinca roots, since these areas won’t be under the smothering cardboard. Gardening gloves help.
How to control Vinca vine?
Be cautious with chemical control methods as they can harm non-target plants and animals. Mechanical methods like trimming, digging, and smothering are preferred for their lower environmental footprint. Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, is a ground cover that is appreciated for its glossy leaves and pretty flowers.
When should I remove Vinca vine?
Conclusion: Vinca Vine is a tough-to-manage plant that can take over an area quickly, making it important to get rid of the vine before it spreads too far. The best time for removing Vinca depends on your climate and could range from late fall or winter in mild climates to spring in colder areas.
Does vinegar kill Vinca?
Yes, vinegar can kill vinca as it is effective in controlling and eliminating the growth of these plants. How Do You Control Vinca Vines? Control vinca vines by regularly pruning and trimming them to prevent overgrowth. Use mulch to smother any emerging shoots and reduce their spread.
How do you keep a vinca vine from destroying your garden?
No matter what climate you live in, taking proactive steps like removing weeds by hand or using mulch around existing plants can help keep the vinca vine at bay, as well as other invasive species like English Ivy or Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea).
Can a vinca vine be eradicated?
The lack of light and air circulation eventually kills the plant, including the roots. This method takes patience, as it can be some time before the vinca vine is completely eradicated, but it is an effective way to reclaim your garden space. In managing garden ecosystems, it’s crucial to identify invasive plants such as some Vinca species.