Also known as Periwinkle · 324 saves
Vinca
Vinca, the genus most gardeners know as periwinkle. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Vinca varieties
Browse all 10 Vinca varieties →
2 species of Vinca
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Vinca in Sow
Save the Vinca you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Vinca
Whats common across all Vinca varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Vinca year
- PruneMarch, April and June100% of varieties
Prune after flowering to control spread and encourage density.
- Check for PestsJune and July40% of varieties
Inspect stressed plants for aphids and spider mites during hot, dry periods.
- PropagateApril, May, June, July, September and October40% of varieties
Propagate by division or by rooting stem cuttings in spring or fall.
- PlantApril, May, October and November30% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to establish roots before temperature extremes.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April30% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged foliage to tidy up the patch.
Do
- Prune to shape and remove dead stems ✂️
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to control growth and promote flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases ❌
- Do not fertilize excessively as it prefers lean soil
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas
- Don't plant near natural woodland boundaries where trailing stems can easily escape containment.
What goes wrong with Vinca
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled, dusty-looking foliage in hot, dry conditions. | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Deer and rabbits | Foliage browsing under high population pressure. | Apply commercial repellents or install physical fencing. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Stem canker | Blackening and sudden dying back of trailing stems during wet weather. | Prune out infected stems well below the lesion point and improve air circulation. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Vinca
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until roots develop
Division
- Dig up a section of rooted runners in spring or fall.
- Sever the trailing stems connecting the division to the parent plant.
- Replant the divided section immediately at the same depth in moist, well-drained soil.
- Water thoroughly until the new division is established.
Vinca questions
How many types of Vinca are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Vinca varieties. The most popular — ranked by 324 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Vinca grow in?
Across its varieties, Vinca covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Vinca bloom?
Most Vinca varieties bloom in spring, late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Vinca should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.