[homeimproverjoe]

I have a semi-dry creekbed running behind my home that is used for stormwater drainage. Its lined with large sandstone boulders in places and I'm trying to create some landscaping to better enjoy it in the summer time and weed out the bad stuff (mostly Privit!).

I have lots of this vine growing in places and I'd like to encourage its growth and perhaps add more. Can anyone identify what this is? Looks like some sort of flowering ivy with sporadic violet blue flower blooms.

 

[david86camaro]

It looks like Vinca Vine to me. There are a few varieties of it too.


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[DoomsDave]

I have a semi-dry creekbed running behind my home that is used for stormwater drainage. Its lined with large sandstone boulders in places and I'm trying to create some landscaping to better enjoy it in the summer time and weed out the bad stuff (mostly Privit!).

I have lots of this vine growing in places and I'd like to encourage its growth and perhaps add more. Can anyone identify what this is? Looks like some sort of flowering ivy with sporadic violet blue flower blooms.

That is Vinca major it looks like, maybe its smaller cousin, Vinca minor.

Though I'm in California now, I used to live in Ohio and the conditions there are similar to yours, except you won't (usually) have the same long cold winters.

I have some at my place, and I'm trying, without much success, to eradicate it. In the wrong place, it can become a hellacious nuisance.

Sounds like you have the right place.

BUT! If your prospective area is anywhere near a place you want to keep neat, plant something that's more restrained. If the Huns were flowers, these would be it, I kid you not. They invade everything. If they're a bit on the dry side that will restrain them some.

I certainly understand why you like it. It is pretty to look at.

There are some plants that people regret and this is sometimes one of them.

Maybe call it the Hai Karate plant; be careful how you use it . . . .

 

[chandler48]

I agree, Vinca. As long as you can contain it, like between sidewalks and the house, etc. it will be fine. It will not stop growing, however in an unrestricted setting.

Not as bad as Kudzu. But you're from Alabama, so you know !!

 

[DoomsDave]

I agree, Vinca. As long as you can contain it, like between sidewalks and the house, etc. it will be fine. It will not stop growing, however in an unrestricted setting.

Not as bad as Kudzu. But you're from Alabama, so you know !!

Nothing is quite like Kudzu! :vs_mad:

 

[Nik333]

Periwinkle! Same thing.


https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/periwinkle/

 

[ChuckF.]

...not to be confused with the annual flowers sold in flats, another variety of Vinca. This one is a pretty rugged ground cover plant.

 

[Colbyt]

Agree it wild vinca. I consider it a weed. It spreads all by itself. I would have a big truckload if all I have killed was in a pile.



You could root some cuttings to accelerate the process.


Second option is to cover some of the runners with dirt and it will root itself. Then you can snip and transplant.