Vinca is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. The flower is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), commonly referred to as Periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial that blooms in the spring and summer. Best planted in early spring, you can expect bountiful blooms during the warmest of weather. Popular for it’s creeping habit, Vinca flowers in blue, white, lavender, or purple. This low-maintenance flower likes full sun and well drained, fertile soil.
What You Need To Plant Vinca
- Shovel
- Compost, manure, or fertilizer
- Garden spade
- Water
Where to Plant Vinca
Vinca will grow in areas with partial to full sun. This flower is both heat and drought tolerant. It will grow in evenly moist soil but does not like standing water. Vinca is a low maintenance plant that is not picky about soil quality.
This plant has a creeping habit and is often used as a ground cover or as a spiller in containers. When planting in a garden area, dig a hole 6-12 inches deep, depending on the size of the plant. For a container, plant in the pot around 6 inches deep.
Vinca Spacing
Vinca is a top choice of gardeners for a colorful groundcover. The plant spreads as the vines trail through the soil. Depending on variety, Vincas grow 6 to 8 inches tall with a width of 22-25 inches. If you are planning to use Vinca in a small landscape area, then plant each flower 8 inches apart. For a larger groundcover plan, space each flower 12 to 18 inches apart.
Remember that Vinca is a fast growing plant that spreads. To help minimize the spread, plant this flower near buildings, sidewalks or driveways. Vinca can also be trained to climb a trellis.
Steps To Plant Vinca
Step 1 - Choose a location with full to partial sun with well-drained soil.
Step 2 - Turn the soil 6-12 inches deep and remove any underwater matter.
Step 3 - Mix in organic matter or fertilizer.
Step 4 - Depending on the size of the root ball, dig each hole 6 to12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches apart.
Step 5 - Place the top of the root ball even with the surface of the soil. Add Fill the hole with soil and press down to secure the plant.
Step 6 - Water well after planting and until the plant is established.
When to Plant Vinca
Vinca is a heat and drought tolerant flower. The plant will struggle with cooler temperatures. It is best to plant Vinca after the threat of frost is complete and when the night time temperatures remain above freezing. For some areas, this could be as late as April or May. The best time to plant Vinca is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not directly shining on the area. During periods of cloudy weather, anytime of day will work for planting.
Transplanting Vinca
If your Vinca has outgrown your landscape area, it can be divided and transplanted to another area. This is best done anytime during the growing season. Vinca has a shallow root system, so digging up the plant is easy. Dig around the clump of the plant you wish to move. Careful lift up the mound, releasing the root system. Place the divided portion in a prepared hole 6 to 12 inches deep. Make sure the root ball is level with the surface. Fill in the hole with soil, pat down to secure. Water well until established.
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Author Chris Link - Published 10-08-2021 |