Photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org VINCA VINE PERIWINKLE (VINCA MAJOR, V. MINOR)
Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, comes in two varieties, Vinca major and Vinca minor; both are evergreen perennials with a creeping habit. They are not to be confused with the annual flower that is also commonly called Vinca (Catharanthus roseus).
Both types of vinca vines have often been planted as an attractive groundcover for shady habitats, but they outcompete native plants. In shaded, moist areas with rich soil, Vinca major and Vinca minor will spread vigorously, sending rooting stems around or through other plants.
Identification Periwinkles are running vines that form dense mats with glossy opposite leaves. The foliage is evergreen, persisting through the winter. It flowers in the spring, producing violet five-petaled pinwheel-like blossoms.
How it spreads Periwinkles spread primarily as a creeping vine that stays on the ground. Although they can produce seed, the seeds are usually sterile.
Management Do not plant vinca vine. Instead, plant native alternatives, such as yellow jessamine (Gelsimium sempervirens), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), or coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) among many others. Vines should be uprooted from the soil. Herbicides can be applied year round, but are most effective when applied during the growing season.
Contact information If you would like more information on periwinkles, contact David Jenkins at the SC Forestry Commission at [email protected] or contact the Clemson Invasive Species Program at https://www.clemson.edu/public/ regulatory/plant-protection/invasive/.
For information on how you can combat invasive plants in your community or to identify native alternatives to plant instead of exotics, visit the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant website at https://www.se-eppc.org/southcarolina/ Periwinkles form dense mats of groundcover and outcompete or send an email to [email protected]. native plants. (Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org)