Periwinkle: A Beautiful but Invasive Groundcover
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca or creeping myrtle, is a popular groundcover prized for its glossy evergreen leaves and bright blue flowers. It’s easy to grow and can tolerate poor soil and harsh weather conditions. However, it can quickly become invasive, crowding out other plants in your garden.
Problems with Periwinkle
One of the biggest problems with periwinkle is its tendency to root at the nodes where the stems touch the ground. This means that even a small piece of stem can grow into a new plant. This makes it difficult to control and remove.
Another problem is that periwinkle’s waxy leaves repel water-based herbicides. This makes it difficult to kill with chemical treatments.
Controlling Periwinkle
There are two main methods for controlling periwinkle: manual removal and herbicides.
Manual Removal
Manual removal is the least toxic method, but it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. To manually remove periwinkle, you need to dig deep into the soil and remove all of the roots. Be sure to remove any small pieces of stem as well, as these can grow into new plants.
Herbicides
Herbicides can be an effective way to control periwinkle in large areas. However, it’s important to choose an oil-based herbicide, as water-based herbicides will not adhere to the waxy leaves. Triclopyr mixed with mineral oil is a good choice.
Be sure to follow the directions on the herbicide label carefully. You may need to apply the herbicide several times to completely kill the periwinkle.
Preventing Periwinkle from Spreading
The best way to prevent periwinkle from spreading is to keep it well-maintained. Mow or string trim it regularly to keep it from getting too long and tangly. Be careful not to let the trimmings touch the ground, as they can root and grow into new plants.
You can also create a barrier around your periwinkle bed to prevent it from spreading. Dig a trench about 2 feet deep and 6 inches wide around the bed. Fill the trench with gravel or other material that will prevent the roots from spreading.
Benefits of Periwinkle
Despite its invasive nature, periwinkle does have some benefits. It’s a good choice for groundcover in areas where other plants have difficulty growing. It’s also tolerant of pollution and road salt, making it a good choice for urban areas.
Drawbacks of Periwinkle
The main drawback of periwinkle is its invasiveness. It can quickly crowd out other plants and become a nuisance. It’s also not edible to grazing animals, so it can be a problem in areas where deer or other animals are present.
Growing Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Uses for Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It’s a good choice for groundcover, borders, and edging. It can also be used to create a living mulch around trees and shrubs.
Conclusion
Periwinkle is a beautiful and easy-to-grow groundcover, but it can quickly become invasive. If you’re considering planting periwinkle in your garden, be sure to take steps to control its growth.
