How to Remove Periwinkle
These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. For each species we recommend herbicide-free control methods, but have added an herbicide option for some species for those who are comfortable using them. These methods were selected while keeping in mind limiting soil disturbance, reducing herbicide use, and avoiding harm to other species that may be present whether they be other plants/animals. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. If the infestation is overwhelmingly severe or these tips aren’t proving effective, we suggest you consider qualified professional services.
Periwinkle
Vinca major & Vinca minor – Georgia EPPC Category 2 (moderate problem in Georgia)
Uproot
The most effective way to remove this invasive vine growing in the ground layer is to hand pull and uproot an area. Although this can be time consuming, you will have the least amount of regrowth and damage to native plants.
In areas where thick mats have formed, a hard rake can be helpful in getting started. This tool does not really help uproot the plant, but it clears away a lot of the vines to make hand pulling easier.
When uprooting plants, be sure to tug at one vine at a time to limit the amount of soil disturbance. After removing a segment, shake the excess dirt off the roots and toss into a pile to dry out so it cannot regrow. If you have the ability to bag the vines and take off site, you will not have to worry about segments rerooting.
Pull the vines up by the roots.
Uprooted segments should have roots still attached to the vine.
A cleared patch of vinca.
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“Category” refers to description of invasiveness based on information from the Georgia and North Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) and do not necessarily reflect the severity of invasions in Atlanta specifically. View our Resource “Atlanta’s Top Invasive Plants (A to Z) Expanded List” for more information.
A great opportunity to learn is volunteering with us at a Forest Restoration project. Please view our Calendar of upcoming service projects or consider enrolling in our annual Forest Stewardship training program. For other species removal, also read: How to Remove Our Top 10 Invasive Plants.
If you have any questions about this guide please email restoration@treesatlanta.org.
