Also known as Periwinkle · 299 saves
Vinca
Vinca, the genus most gardeners know as periwinkle. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved 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 6 most-grown of them.
The Vinca year
- PruneFebruary and May100% of varieties
Prune after flowering to control spread and encourage density.
- PropagateMarch, April, August and September50% of varieties
Propagate by division or by rooting stem cuttings in spring or fall.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to establish roots before temperature extremes.
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
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
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 speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
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 mature plants in early spring.
- Gently separate clumps into smaller sections.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Vinca questions
How many types of Vinca are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Vinca varieties. The most popular — ranked by 299 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 late spring, 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.