Vinca minor, or periwinkle, is tough, doesn’t need much care, and doesn’t get pests. It has pretty broadleaf leaves and flowers that do well in both sun and shade. It is also useful for providing ground cover and is known for its creeping habit. When planted in warmer climates, periwinkle can come back every year as a perennial. In cooler climates, it only comes back once a year as an annual. Vinca minor vines usually have blue flowers in the spring, but they can also be lavender, purple, or white. They might bloom sometimes in the summer too, but the show will not be nearly as beautiful as the one in the spring. Most people plant it in early spring, but the hardy plant can also be planted in the fall. Her growth rate is average. Periwinkle can be toxic to humans, and it is definitely toxic to pets.
Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a versatile flowering vine that comes in trailing and upright varieties. Both the small-leaved Vinca minor and larger-leafed Vinca major add lush, green foliage and eye-catching blooms to gardens. But how much sun or shade does this popular groundcover need? Understanding vinca’s light requirements is key to success. Let’s explore how sun versus shade impacts vinca vine growth, flowering and overall health.
Vinca Growth Habits in Sunny Locations
Full sun to partial shade is ideal for vigorous vinca growth. Plants situated in locations with at least 4 hours of direct sun daily tend to become full and bushy. Growth is rapid in sunny areas, with trailing vines quickly spreading to blanket the ground. Upright vinca varieties also reach maximum height more quickly when bathed in plentiful sunlight. Flowering is heaviest in full sun. The bright light causes vinca to produce more of its signature blossoms from spring to fall. White, pink, red and bi-color blooms cover the vines.
Too much sun can be problematic, however. Vinca exposed to over 6 hours of hot afternoon sun is prone to wilting, scorching and drying out. Providing afternoon shade allows plants to thrive without getting parched. Morning sun with filtered afternoon light keeps vinca happy. Just ensure no large trees or buildings cast shade over your vinca before late afternoon.
Vinca Performance in Shady Locations
Vinca vines still grow well in partial shade and even full shade conditions. Mature height and spread may be slightly less than plants grown in full sun. Expect 12-18 inch trailing vines in shade rather than a full 24 inches in sunny sites. Upright varieties also max out around 12-15 inches tall in shade versus 18-24 inches with more light. Flowering is reduced but still decent in partial shade. However, blooms are sparse and less impressive in dense full shade.
Avoid planting vinca on the north side of structures or under dense evergreen trees. These perpetually dark, dry areas lack the light levels vinca needs for flowering and sufficient growth. Dappled sunlight filtering through deciduous trees is ideal. Vinca tolerates more shade in hot southern climates than northern regions. Give it as much light as possible to encourage the heaviest flowering.
Soil Needs for Vinca Vines
Vinca grows well in average garden soil as long as it drains freely. Clay or sandy loam amended with compost provides an ideal anchor for vinca’s spreading root system. The vines thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 Add lime if pH drops much below 6.0 While vinca tolerates poor, nutrient-deficient soils, fertilizing monthly with balanced flower fertilizer keeps plants lush and green.
Water Requirements for Vinca
Newly planted vinca vines need regular watering until their root systems develop. Provide 1-2 inches of water weekly until plants are established. Then water only when the top few inches of soil become dry. Established vinca is quite drought tolerant, though occasional deep soaking encourages flowering. Take care not to overwater vinca. Excess moisture leads to root rot in poorly drained sites.
Special Varieties Optimized 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 touted for their vigor and heavy blooming in shade. The variegated foliage ‘Variegata’ also brightens shady areas. For sun lovers the Sonata series offers heat tolerance along with prolific flowers. Pacifica XP delivers vivid blooms and a mounding form ideal for landscape beds.
Planting Vinca Vines
Vinca transplants, plugs or pots are widely available at garden centers in spring. Select compact, healthy plants without yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in beds and allow a good 2 feet between rows. Dig holes twice as wide and deep as each root ball. Backfill with enriched soil and tamp down gently. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply mulch around new transplants to conserve moisture.
Caring for Vinca Through the Seasons
With proper siting, soil, water and light, vinca vines need minimal care besides occasional fertilizing and pruning. Trim back wayward 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 vines to 6 inches for winter. Protect vinca in cold climates by applying 2-3 inches of shredded bark mulch over the crowns for insulation. Remove mulch in spring as new growth emerges.
Avoiding Pitfalls for Continued Success
Give vinca vines too much shade, and they become lanky and produce few flowers. Allow soil to dry out frequently, and leaves yellow and drop. Improve drainage in sites with compacted, poorly draining soil. Control slugs and snails which can decimate young plants. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling vinca, as the sap can irritate skin. With optimal sun exposure, rich soil, ample water and protection from pests, vinca vines offer carefree beauty in gardens for years.
Soil
Vinca minor vines require good drainage. Space them about a foot apart if you want to fill in an area quickly. Achieving vigorous growth is usually not difficult for these plants. Indeed, the very fact that they grow so well can sometimes be a problem. They will thrive in soils rich in compost, but they will tolerate poorer soils.
Water
While the plants will grow better in moist soils, its vines are pretty drought-tolerant once mature.
When You Should Plant Vincas (Periwinkles)
Can Vinca grow in full sun?
Vinca vine prefers full sun, but it’s a hardy plant and will grow great even in partial shade. If planted in a location with only partial sun, it simply won’t bloom as much – but the foliage color and thickness won’t suffer. Full shade conditions should be avoided. Vinca vines are rather drought tolerant!
Can Vinca minor grow in shade?
Vinca minor grows in partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. It tolerates deep shade conditions but may burn in direct sunlight. For best results, plant them in partial shade. Also, they are a good choice for a ground cover for an area with dry shade . Vinca minor vines require good drainage.
Can Vinca grow in darkness?
Vinca can flourish in both complete and partial darkness. The plant will need a little more upkeep if you choose to use this strategy. The biggest advantage is that you won’t have to worry about your plant being damaged by the sun during the day. If you decide to grow the leaves under sunlight, they will also become much greener.
How do I choose the best shade for a vinca plant?
Depending on the specific variety and your location, some experimentation may be necessary to find the optimal light exposure. While vinca generally prefers partial shade or dappled shade to grow, specific varieties may exhibit varying shade tolerance.