How to Control Vinca Major

Use a sharp hand hoe to mechanically remove small infestations of vinca major. Make sure you cut out all the stolons and remove all root nodes.

Start work at the border and work your way inward. Pull the plant back on itself as this will minimize the spread and rooting of stems between removal work.

Avoid mowing or cutting for removal since the plant can resprout rapidly. This is not a recommended control technique, according to the California Invasive Plant Council.

Use products containing glyphosate for the effective control of vinca major.

Cut the vinca plants to ground level using large scissors. Remove all debris. Spray the glyphosate herbicide immediately on cut areas, making sure that all stem wounds are covered.

Use a brush to apply herbicide to each cut stem.

Avoid spraying herbicide directly on plants without cutting first. Vinca major has waxy foliage that repels moisture. Unless herbicide is applied to fresh stems and foliage wounds, the herbicide is unlikely to affect the plant.

Apply herbicide between late spring and early fall in temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees for best effect. Cut and remove dead plants. Monitor regularly for resprouting. Remove newly sprouted plants either manually or with herbicide before plants get a chance to multiply.