Vinca is a classic, old-school plant that’s earned its place in our gardens. While most vinca varieties are easy to grow, it's important to choose the best for your space because there are annual and perennial types.
The first thing to know about vinca is that there are actually two different categories of plants that commonly go by this name – annual (tropical) and perennial (hardy) vinca.
If you’re looking for big, bold color for sunny spots, the annual vinca varieties are probably for you. These plants typically have pinwheel-shaped flowers in festive shades of lavender, pink, red, and white. Most annual vinca varieties are good for attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. And they’re also typically deer and rabbit resistant.
Perennial vincas are typically low-growing groundcovers that thrive in shaded or partly shaded spots. There are two main species grown: Vinca major and V. minor. Perennial vinca varieties have pinwheel-shaped springtime flowers in shades of lavender, purple, and white. Perennial vincas are particularly well suited for woodland gardens, planting along slopes, and as a turf alternative.
Note: Vinca minor is considered invasive in some areas; check for local restrictions before planting it.