Vinca Major vs. Vinca Minor: Key Differences Between These Popular Ground Covers

Vinca major and vinca minor, also known as bigleaf periwinkle and common periwinkle, are evergreen flowering vines often used as ground covers. With their shiny leaves and eye-catching blooms, it’s no wonder they are staples in many gardens and landscapes.

But if you are trying to decide between vinca major and vinca minor, it helps to understand the key differences between these two popular ground cover plants. Here is a detailed comparison of vinca major vs vinca minor to help you choose the best one for your specific needs

Plant Description

Both vinca major and vinca minor are trailing perennials that spread along the ground They have dark green, waxy leaves and produce purple-blue flowers However, there are some notable physical differences

• Size – Vinca major grows significantly larger than vinca minor Mature height for vinca major is around 90 cm compared to only 40 cm for vinca minor

• Leaves – Vinca major has broader, heart-shaped leaves. Vinca minor leaves are smaller and narrower with a lance shape.

• Flowers – The blooms of vinca major are nearly twice the size of vinca minor flowers. They are showier and more prominent.

Growth Habit and Spread

Both vinca major and vinca minor spread along the ground and form mats. However, vinca minor is easier to control and keep contained.

• Vinca minor grows at a slower, more manageable rate than vinca major. It also tends to stay low to the ground rather than extending upright.

• Vinca major is more aggressive and vigorous. It can quickly get out of control, overtaking other plants and spreading beyond intended boundaries.

• Both spread by long stems that root at nodes. But vinca minor’s stems are not as extensive.

For these reasons, vinca minor is generally a better choice if you want to avoid a rapidly spreading, weedy ground cover. Vinca major requires more vigilance and maintenance to keep it in bounds.

Growing Conditions

Vinca major and vinca minor share similar needs in terms of preferred growing conditions:

• Sun – Both tolerate partial shade to full sun. However, they produce more prolific flowers in locations with more sun exposure.

• Soil – Well-draining soil with average moisture is ideal. But both will tolerate poorer soils provided drainage is adequate.

• Hardiness – Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. They can tolerate cold winters and moderate frost when established.

• Water – Require weekly watering until established. Mature plants have better drought tolerance but bloom best with regular moisture.

Overall, both vinca vines are adaptable and low-maintenance once established. The key is providing well-drained soil and partial sun to full sun.

Bloom Season

One of the main reasons to grow vinca major or vinca minor is for their flowers. The bloom time for both is quite extensive:

• Flowers appear in early spring and last through fall frost.

• Peak bloom is usually in May but can vary based on your climate.

• Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.

So you can expect months of color from either vinca variety. However, vinca major produces slightly larger flowers so it provides a bolder floral display.

Maintenance Needs

To keep either vinca major or vinca minor looking their best, minimal care and maintenance is required:

• Watering – Water weekly until established. Then only water during drought.

• Fertilizing – Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that drive leafy growth.

• Pruning – Trim back wayward stems and deadhead spent flowers to encourage compact growth and blooms.

• Weeding – Remove competing weeds which these vines readily overwhelm.

• Division – Replace or divide congested areas every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth.

Vinca major will likely need more frequent pruning and aggressive division to keep its vigorous growth under control. But in general, maintenance needs are modest for either variety.

Propagation

Vinca major and vinca minor both propagate easily from stem cuttings and division:

• Stem cuttings – Take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring or summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep moist until rooted.

• Division – Dig up established clumps and divide into smaller sections. Replant 12-18 inches apart.

• Seeds – Seeds can be sown indoors early in the season but take longer to establish than other methods.

These simple techniques allow you to expand your vinca planting for free with minimal effort or expense.

Landscaping Uses

When it comes to landscaping applications, vinca major and vinca minor both make excellent ground cover plants, but there are some differences in their best uses:

• Vinca minor – Ideal for smaller garden beds and borders. Also effective in rock gardens, along paths, and covering slopes.

• Vinca major – Best for very large areas, steep banks, and sloped landscapes where erosion control is needed. Can overtake smaller spaces.

• Containers – Both work well in pots and hanging baskets. Vinca minor is better-suited for smaller containers.

So consider the size of the space you want to cover when choosing between these two. Vinca minor is the better option for most home gardens and beds.

Invasive Potential

An important distinction between vinca major vs. vinca minor is their potential to become invasive weeds:

• Vinca major is considered a more aggressive, invasive plant, especially in certain regions. It spreads rapidly and can overwhelm native plants.

• Vinca minor is still used widely as a landscaping plant and is less likely to become a problematic weed. However, it can spread from gardens easily if not properly contained.

To avoid issues, plant either species responsibly by removing spent flowers, pruning back spread, and monitoring boundaries. Vinca minor is the safer choice if invasiveness is a concern.

The Bottom Line

To summarize key points in comparing vinca major and vinca minor:

• Vinca major grows larger with bigger leaves and showier blooms. Vinca minor is a petite variety in all respects.

• Vinca major is faster growing and more aggressive. Vinca minor is easier to control.

• Both offer months of purple-blue blooms in spring through fall.

• Maintenance needs are minimal provided vigorous growth is restrained through pruning and division.

• Invasive potential is lower with vinca minor than the spreading vinca major.

• Vinca minor suits most home landscape uses. Reserve vinca major for large spaces where substantial erosion control is needed.

So weigh these differences carefully before incorporating one of these adaptable, flowering ground covers into your garden. With their evergreen foliage and long bloom time, both vinca major and vinca minor provide terrific year-round interest.