Vinca, also known as Periwinkle, is an evergreen, flowering shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches and has oval-shaped, leathery leaves and star-shaped, five-petaled flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. Vinca is often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes, as it is able to spread rapidly and tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions. It is also known for its ability to tolerate drought and is often used in xeriscaping. Vinca is known for being low-maintenance and is often used in hanging baskets, rock gardens, and container gardens.
Planning Your Garden With Vinca
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Vinca is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Vinca is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Vinca is generally considered to be cold hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | Vinca, also known as periwinkle, typically takes about 8-10 weeks to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown vinca plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and width. |
| Spacing requirements | Vinca prefers a spacing of 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Vinca is tolerant of full sun, but prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day. |
| Shade tolerance | Vinca is considered to be a low-shade tolerant plant, meaning it prefers full sun. It can tolerate some light shade, but will not perform as well in shady conditions. |
| Water requirements | Vinca plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and require regular watering. It is best to water your vinca deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During the growing season, water your vinca about once a week, or whenever the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or whenever the soil feels dry. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing vinca depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | Vinca prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Vinca is Popular
Vinca is a popular and easy-to-grow flowering plant that is known for its low maintenance and long-lasting blooms. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for a plant that will add color and texture to their garden throughout the growing season. Vinca is also drought tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance garden.
Companion Plants For Vinca
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for vinca include:
Common Pests For Vinca
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow vinca, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
