Bare Root Vinca Plants

• Certain trees, shrubs and groundcover plants are propagated and sold "bare root" --- meaning that the plants can be uprooted from the soil in their dormancy, shipped with roots exposed and transplanted with little or no trauma to the plant. These bare root plantings can be just the root, or with the plant attached. Often, the common varieties of vinca (periwinkle) plants are shipped bare root from the nurseries.

Vinca Minor

• Often called common periwinkle or myrtle, Vinca minor is popular as a ground cover for its evergreen leafy foliage that grows close to the ground, usually not more than 6 inches tall. It produces small blossoms, mainly in spring, which are usually bluish-purple --- although depending on the specific cultivar, the blossoms can also be reddish-lavender or even white. Vinca minor does best in partial sun or shade, and once its roots are established, can endure drier conditions. While a very good ground cover plant, it spreads aggressively, so maintain proper boundaries for Vinca minor to prevent it from overtaking other plants in your garden.

Vinca Major

• Sometimes called big periwinkle, this plant lives up to its name in comparison to Vinca minor, growing up to 12 inches in height, and producing larger blossoms than common periwinkle. Interestingly, Vinca major has some trouble bearing its own weight. Once its stems reach their mature height, they typically bend over to the ground, and the plant begins to spread from there as ground cover. This plant produces more blossoms (usually blue or purple) in full sun, and more foliage in shady areas. Due to its size and quick-spreading tendencies, Vinca major is recommended for larger areas requiring ground cover.

Care and Planting of Bare Root Plants

• Nurseries ship bare roots in their dormant stage, usually late winter to early spring. As with most bare root plants, Vinca minor bare roots should be planted immediately when you receive them, before the time of budding. It can help the roots to soak them in water for a couple of hours before planting, and to keep the soil well-moistened until the roots are established. Additionally, planting bare roots under cloud cover with little or no wind will prevent undue stress on the plants.