Are you tired of your garden being overrun by periwinkle ground cover?
While it may seem like a daunting task to remove this invasive plant, there are several methods you can use that don’t involve harmful chemicals.
From smothering with black plastic to manually digging up the roots, we’ve compiled a list of effective ways to get rid of periwinkle for good.
Plus, we’ll share tips on how to replace it with native plants that support local wildlife.
Keep reading to learn how to take back control of your garden and create a thriving ecosystem.
How To Remove Periwinkle Ground Cover
There are several methods you can use to remove periwinkle ground cover from your garden.
One option is to smother the area with black plastic. Cover the ground with the plastic and weigh it down with rocks or other heavy objects. Leave it in place for 4 to 6 weeks, checking regularly for any holes or rips in the plastic. The heat generated by the plastic will kill the plants, making it easier to remove them.
Another method is to manually dig up the roots. Make a trench around the area and loosen the first section of roots. As you dig further into the bed, continue to loosen the soil. If you see any small plants forming the next season, immediately dig them out. This non-toxic removal method may take a couple of years, but it is effective.
For larger areas or where the roots run deep, use a weeding tool to help loosen the soil for easier removal. Pull the vinca and its roots when the ground is slightly moist. Seal all plant parts in a plastic bag and discard.
Cutting the vinca down as close to the ground as possible is another option. Use a weed wacker or lawn mower to chop it up, then discard the vines. However, be aware that periwinkle can quickly regrow after being cut down.
Understanding Periwinkle Ground Cover
Periwinkle ground cover is a popular choice for gardeners due to its evergreen foliage and dainty blue-lavender flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of this plant before planting it in your garden.
Periwinkle is an herbaceous perennial evergreen ground cover that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. There are two common types of periwinkle: lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) and greater periwinkle (Vinca major). Lesser periwinkle is a smaller, less aggressive species than greater periwinkle. It grows about 6 inches tall and spreads in all directions by sending out long trailing and rooting shoots, which make new plants. Greater periwinkle, on the other hand, is larger and more aggressive than lesser periwinkle. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and spreads rapidly by rooting at the nodes.
While periwinkle ground cover is a popular choice for gardeners, it can become invasive if not properly maintained. The plant tolerates high heat and close to full shade, but prefers full or partial sun. It grows best in moist, organic soils. When using as a groundcover, plant 8 inches apart for quick cover of smaller areas and 12 to 18 inches apart for large areas.
If you are concerned about the invasiveness of periwinkle ground cover, make it a point each year to keep their runners in check. Periwinkle only spreads by runner, not by birds or wind. However, if left unchecked, it can spread aggressively into adjacent lawns or garden areas. Insects, diseases, and other plant problems can also affect periwinkle ground cover. Vine stem canker (blight) can damage or kill large patches.
Why You Should Remove Periwinkle Ground Cover
Periwinkle ground cover, also known as Vinca minor, is an invasive plant that can quickly take over your garden and smother other plants. If left unmanaged, it can be difficult to control and remove. Removing periwinkle ground cover is important to prevent it from spreading and taking over other areas.
Periwinkle can also harm the biodiversity of your garden by outcompeting native plants and reducing food sources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Removing periwinkle and replacing it with native plants can help support the ecosystem in your garden.
Moreover, periwinkle is difficult to compost and should not be added to your compost pile. It is best to dispose of it in a plastic bag or burn it to prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Lastly, periwinkle can be harmful to pets if ingested. It contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Removing periwinkle ground cover from your garden can help keep your pets safe from potential harm.
Methods For Removing Periwinkle Ground Cover
There are several effective methods for removing periwinkle ground cover from your garden. One option is to use herbicides, but if you prefer non-toxic solutions, there are other methods you can try.
Solarization is a viable option if the area isn’t too large and you don’t have any other plants you want to save. This involves cutting back all growth to ground level and then covering the vinca with thick layers of cardboard or black plastic. Weight down the edges to prevent the material from blowing away. This starves the plants of sunlight and water, eventually killing them. However, it may take several months for this method to be effective.
Another non-toxic method is to manually dig up the roots. Make a trench around the area and loosen the first section of roots. As you dig further into the bed, continue to loosen the soil. If you see any small plants forming the next season, immediately dig them out. This method may take a couple of years, but it is effective.
For larger areas or where the roots run deep, use a weeding tool to help loosen the soil for easier removal. Pull the vinca and its roots when the ground is slightly moist. Seal all plant parts in a plastic bag and discard.
Cutting the vinca down as close to the ground as possible is another option. Use a weed wacker or lawn mower to chop it up, then discard the vines. However, be aware that periwinkle can quickly regrow after being cut down.
Smothering With Black Plastic
Smothering with black plastic is a simple and effective method to remove periwinkle ground cover. This method involves covering the affected area with thick black plastic, which blocks out sunlight and air, effectively killing the plants.
To start, clear the area as much as possible by removing any debris or large plants. Then, cover the entire area with black plastic, making sure to overlap adjoining sheets by at least a foot to prevent any new growth from finding its way between the pieces of plastic. Secure the plastic in place with rocks, logs, or other heavy objects to prevent it from blowing away.
Leave the plastic in place for at least 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, check regularly for any holes or rips in the plastic that may allow sunlight and air to enter. If you find any holes, patch them up immediately.
After 4 to 6 weeks, remove the plastic and dispose of it properly. The heat generated by the plastic will have killed the periwinkle plants, making them easier to remove. Use a weeding tool or a garden fork to loosen the soil and remove any remaining roots.
It is important to note that smothering with black plastic may take several months to completely eradicate periwinkle ground cover. However, this method is non-toxic and does not require the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance method that does not require constant follow-up like some other removal methods.
Digging Up The Roots
One of the most effective methods for removing periwinkle ground cover is to manually dig up the roots. This method requires some effort, but it is non-toxic and can permanently rid your garden of periwinkle in a couple of years.
To start, make a 2-foot (61 cm) trench around the area you want to remove. Loosen the first section of roots and pull as you dig further into the bed, loosening the soil as you go. This will make it easier to remove the roots.
It’s important to note that if you see any small plants forming the next season, immediately dig them out. This will prevent the periwinkle from regrowing and spreading.
For larger areas or where the roots run deep, use a weeding tool to help loosen the soil for easier removal. Pull the vinca and its roots when the ground is slightly moist. It’s important to seal all plant parts in a plastic bag and discard them, as periwinkle can easily root from cuttings.
Using Vinegar And Salt
Another method to remove periwinkle ground cover is by using vinegar and salt. This method is effective because vinegar contains acetic acid, which can kill plants by drying out their leaves and roots. Salt, on the other hand, can dehydrate the plant and prevent it from absorbing water.
To use this method, mix two cups of white vinegar with one cup of salt in a spray bottle. Shake well until the salt is completely dissolved. Spray the mixture generously on the periwinkle ground cover, making sure to cover all parts of the plant.
Keep in mind that vinegar and salt can also damage other plants in your garden, so be careful when applying the mixture. It’s best to use this method on small areas of periwinkle ground cover that are not close to other plants.
After spraying the vinegar and salt mixture, wait for a few days for the periwinkle to dry out. Then, manually remove the dead plants and roots from the soil. Repeat the process if necessary until all periwinkle ground cover has been removed.
In conclusion, there are several methods you can use to remove periwinkle ground cover from your garden. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that works best for your situation. Remember to be patient and persistent when removing periwinkle, as it can take some time to fully eradicate this invasive plant.
