Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, is a popular flowering plant that comes in both trailing and upright varieties. With its lush green foliage and eye-catching blooms, vinca is a versatile option for gardens. But an important consideration when growing vinca is understanding its light requirements. Does vinca vine prefer sun or shade? The answer is not quite so simple. While vinca is flexible, sun versus shade does impact the plant’s growth, flowering and overall health. By tailoring vinca’s placement to the proper light levels, you can help ensure your plants thrive.
How Does Sunlight Affect Vinca Vines?
When situated in a location receiving at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, vinca vines tend to become very full and bushy. Growth is rapid in sunny areas, with trailing varieties quickly spreading to blanket the ground with a mat of green leaves and blooms. Upright vinca also reaches maximum height more quickly in the sun.
Flowering is heaviest when vinca basks in full sun The bright light triggers the plant to produce more blossoms from spring through fall Depending on the variety, flowers may be white, pink, red, purple or bi-colored. Sunny sites bring out the best in vinca.
However, too much sun can cause problems. Vinca exposed to over 6 hours of hot afternoon sunlight is prone to wilting, leaf scorch and drying out. Providing some shade in the hottest part of the day allows the vines to thrive without becoming parched. Morning sun paired with filtered afternoon light is an ideal combination. Just avoid large trees or buildings that might cast shade over the vinca before late afternoon.
How Does Vinca Perform in Shady Areas?
The good news is vinca still grows relatively well in partial shade or even full shade conditions. Mature height and spread may be slightly less than that of plants grown in full sun. Expect 12-18 inch long trailing vines rather than a full 24 inches. Upright varieties may top out around 12-15 inches rather than 18-24 inches tall.
Flowering is reduced but still decent in partial shade. However blooms are quite sparse and less impressive when vinca is situated in dense dark shade. Avoid placing vinca vines on the north side of structures or under heavy evergreen shade where light is too limited. Dappled sunlight filtering through leafy deciduous trees is better suited for vinca’s needs.
Southern gardeners can grow vinca in more shade than those in the north. But for optimal flowering, it’s best to give vinca as much sunlight as possible wherever you live. Just steer clear of baking hot afternoon sun.
Soil Needs for Vinca Vine
Vinca performs well in average garden soil, as long as it drains freely. Clay or sandy loam enriched with compost gives vinca’s spreading roots a good anchor. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.0. Add lime if pH drops much below 6.0.
While vinca tolerates poor, nutrient-deficient soils, fertilizing monthly with a balanced flower fertilizer keeps the vines lush and green. Just don’t over-feed, as excessive fertility can inhibit flowering.
Water Requirements for Vinca Vine
Newly planted vinca vines need regular irrigation until their root systems develop. Provide 1-2 inches of water weekly when first planted. Once established, water only as the top few inches of soil become dry. Mature vinca is quite drought tolerant, though occasional deep soakings encourage flowering. Take care not to overwater, as wet feet leads to root rot in poorly drained areas.
Special Varieties Bred for Sun or Shade
When selecting vinca varieties, keep the light level in mind. Some newer cultivars are bred specifically to flourish in sun or shade conditions. ‘Wojo’s Gem’ and ‘Betty Bright Eyes’ are two vinca varieties known for vigor and prolific blooms in shade. The variegated ‘Variegata’ also brightens shady plantings.
For sun lovers, try varieties from the Sonata series, which offer heat tolerance and abundant flowers. ‘Pacifica XP’ delivers vivid blooms and a mounding form ideal for landscape beds. Seek out vinca bred for your specific light conditions.
Planting Vinca Vine
You can find vinca transplants, plugs or containers at most garden centers in spring. Select stocky, healthy plants without yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Space vinca 12-18 inches apart in beds, allowing 2 feet between rows.
Dig planting holes twice as wide and deep as each root ball. Backfill with enriched soil, tamping down gently. Water thoroughly after planting new vinca. Apply mulch around transplants to conserve moisture while plants establish.
Caring for Vinca Through the Seasons
With proper siting, soil, water and light, vinca vines need minimal care beyond occasional fertilizing and pruning. Trim back wandering vines in summer to contain spread. Cut back upright varieties by one third after flowering to encourage bushy regrowth.
Rake away fallen leaves in autumn. Then, cut back vinca vines to 6 inches for winter. In cold climates, insulate vinca by applying 2-3 inches of shredded bark mulch over crowns. Remove mulch as new growth emerges in spring.
Avoiding Pitfalls for Success
Too much shade leads to lanky, poorly flowering vinca vines. Allowing soil to frequently dry out causes yellowing leaves and leaf drop. Improve drainage in compacted, poorly draining sites. Control slugs and snails which can quickly defoliate young plants. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling vinca, as the sap can irritate skin.
By providing optimal sunlight, enriching soil, ample water and pest protections, vinca vines will deliver carefree beauty to your garden for years to come. Just tailor the location to the light levels vinca prefers, and enjoy the rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinca Vine Sun and Shade Needs
Can vinca vine grow in full sun?
Yes, vinca vine grows well in full sun. But afternoon shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorch in very hot climates. Morning sun paired with afternoon shade is an ideal combination for vigorous vinca growth.
Does vinca vine bloom if grown in shade?
Vinca will still bloom when grown in partial or full shade, but flowering will be reduced compared to plants grown in sunnier locations. For heaviest flowering, situate vinca in an area receiving at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
What is the best amount of shade for vinca vines?
Light dappled shade filtered through leafy trees is ideal for vinca. Avoid dense, dark shade on the north side of structures or under evergreens where light is too limited. In warmer climates, vinca tolerates more shade than in cooler northern regions.
Should I plant vinca vine in sun or shade?
While vinca tolerates both sun and shade, planting it in an area receiving 4-6 hours of sun daily results in the most vigorous growth and heaviest flower production. Morning sun paired with afternoon shade is best. Tailor placement to your climate and light conditions.
Do different vinca vine varieties prefer sun versus shade?
Some newer vinca cultivars are bred specifically for better performance in sun or shade. Seek out shade-loving varieties like ‘Wojo’s Gem’ and sun-lovers such as those from the Sonata series. Choose varieties suited for the light levels in your specific planting site.
With the proper placement in terms of sunlight, enriching the soil, providing ample water as needed and protecting from pests, vinca vine is an easy-care option that produces months of color. Just be sure to tailor the location to the light levels vinca prefers, and it will thrive!
Planting
Plant vinca minor in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Dig a hole larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, backfill the hole with soil, and then water in the plant.
Water
Water this plant often shortly after planting. Once it is established, you can water less; watering is only needed when the first few inches of soil dry out. You may need to water more often during the longest, hottest days of the year.
While the plants will grow better in moist soils, its vines are pretty drought-tolerant once mature.