As a gardening and landscaping expert , I have encountered periwinkle plants in various climates and I can say that while they may not be considered to the full invasive in rough northerly mood , they can certainly become a nuisance in mild clime where they have the chance to boom and spread chop-chop .
Periwinkle , also known as Vinca youngster , is a low - develop evergreen plant soil cover that produce beautiful regal prime . It is often used in garden beds and borders to add a dab of colour and make a dense carpet - similar effect . However , if not the right way maintain , periwinkle can indeed take over grass and other plants in the garden .
One of the reason old maid can be problematic is its ability to spread through hush-hush stems call stolons . These stolons allow the plant to beam out root and establish new plants wherever they touch the soil . If left unbridled , periwinkle can quickly imprint a thick flatness that smother pasturage and other vegetation , making it difficult for them to make it .
To prevent winkle from taking over grass , it is crucial to be proactive in contend its ontogenesis . Here are some strategy that can be employed :
1 . Regular maintenance : Keep a tight eye on your garden and on a regular basis remove any periwinkle plants that are encroaching on forage or other desired plants . This can be done by hand - pulling or carefully digging up the plants , making certain to remove as much of the underground stolons as possible .
2 . Edging and barriers : instal strong-arm barrier such as edge or plastic edge to create a readable interval between the cayenne jasmine and the grass . This will help forestall the stolon from disperse into the lawn country .
3 . Mulching : Apply a layer of mulch around the substructure of pasture and other industrial plant to create a roadblock that inhibits the growth and bedcover of Madagascar periwinkle . Mulch also helps continue moisture and suppress grass growth , yield grass a better chance to compete with winkle .
4 . Regular mowing and trimming : Keep the grass well - maintained by on a regular basis cut down and trimming it at the appropriate height . This will help discourage the periwinkle from spreading into the lawn area and preserve a healthy grass top .
5 . Herbicides : In uttermost cases , where Catharanthus roseus has already take over a large domain of smoke , the economic consumption of selective weedkiller specifically designed to place broadleaf plants like Catharanthus roseus can be weigh . However , it is important to carefully follow the statement and guidepost provide by the manufacturing business to ascertain safe and effective usance .
In my personal experience , I have seen instance where old maid has indeed taken over grass and create a challenging situation for householder . However , by implementing the strategies mentioned above and stick around persevering in managing its growth , it is potential to control periwinkle and keep it from whole overtake the grass .
It is worth observe that Madagascar periwinkle can still be a worthful addition to a garden when properly managed . Its power to form a dumb ground cover can aid stamp down skunk and reduce erosion in certain expanse . However , it is all-important to strike a remainder and maintain control over its growth to prevent it from becoming invasive and overwhelming other desirable plants .
While periwinkle may not be considered fully invasive in rough northern climates , it can become a problem in mild climates where it has the opportunity to spread out quickly . By implementing right maintenance practices , such as regular remotion , barriers , mulching , and regular mowing , it is potential to prevent Cape periwinkle from take in over grass and maintain a level-headed and balanced garden .
Caroline Bates
