Small (or Common) Periwinkle

Invasive:

Large Periwinkle (Vinca major): There are two kinds of invasive periwinkle, small (Vinca minor) and large (Vinca major). As the name suggests, the major difference between the two is the size of their leaves. V. major has slightly larger and broader leaves, that are in an oval or heart shape (pictured to the left). V. minor has smaller, elongated leaves that are lance-shaped.

Learn more about Small vs Large Periwinkle here.

 

 

 

 

Non-native:

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharantheus Roseus): This plant is from the same family (Apocynaceae) as Small Periwinkle, and has similar looking leaves and flowers. This plant can be distinguished from other periwinkle species by it’s pink flowers, and more upright stems. It typically grows in hotter climates, such as Madagascar or the southern US, and is not found in the Sea to Sky.

Periwinkle will thrive in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay soils, both well-drained and moist.  It tends to prefer shade or partial shade.

This plant can often be found invading moist sites in forested areas, along watercourses, and in residential areas.

Small Periwinkle primarily reproduces vegetatively (by stems rooting at the nodes), but can also reproduce by seed.

Periwinkle’s main vector of spread is the horticulture trade, as it is widely sold in garden centres and nurseries as a shade-loving groundcover. Moreover, improper disposal by gardeners can aid its spread.

Small Periwinkle also spreads easily by stems and stolons (underground stems) rooting at the nodes. Lastly, the seeds can also disperse in water.

Small Periwinkle is found in the Sea to Sky region and its distribution is beyond landscape-level control. When Small Periwinkle is present at high-priority locations and negatively impacting them, their control is considered a high priority.

Otherwise, the goal is to prevent it from spreading to new (uninfested) areas, and to control it where possible to limit its impact on biodiversity.

Learn to identify Small Periwinkle: use the images presented in this profile page to learn how to identify this plant.

What to do if you spot it: You can report any Periwinkle sighting by clicking here.

 

DO:

• Regularly monitor properties for infestations.
• Avoid planting Periwinkle, no matter how well-enclosed an area might seem.
• Ensure soil and gravel are uncontaminated before transport.
• Minimize soil disturbances and use seed mixes, or other non-invasive ground cover plants to re-vegetate exposed soil and resist invasion.
• Ensure plants (particularly flowering heads or root fragments) are bagged or covered to prevent spread during transport to designated disposal sites (e.g. landfill).

DO NOT:

• Don’t unload, park, or store equipment or vehicles in infested areas; remove plant material from any equipment, vehicles, or clothing used in such areas, and wash equipment and vehicles before leaving infested areas.
• DO NOT COMPOST!

 

Control

Mechanical

• Hand-pull periwinkle repeatedly as it appears; persistence is key.
• Try to remove all of the plant and its roots, and dispose of the plant material appropriately.
• Apply mulch to bare soil, or re-plant with non-invasive species after removal.
• ‘Matting’ small infestations for 4-6 months (covering with tarps) after they have been pulled may also be effective.
• Watch this video to learn how to remove Periwinkle.

Chemical

• Foliar application of glyphosate to growing plants (in late summer to early fall) can be effective, especially as a follow-up to mechanical control methods.
• Other herbicides including triclopyr (applied in spring) and imazapyr (applied in late summer to early fall) can also be effective.
• We recommend that any herbicide application is carried out by a person holding a valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate. Before selecting and applying herbicides, you must review and follow herbicide labels and application rates; municipal, regional, provincial and federal laws and regulations; species-specific treatment recommendations, and site-specific goals and objectives.

Biological

There currently are no biocontrol agents for this plant.