Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the stems for black or dark brown lesions.
- Check the soil moisture to ensure it is not waterlogged.
- Look for signs of new growth near the base.
Likely causes
Vinca Blight
Most likelyHow to tell: Stems turn black and die back rapidly while leaves fall off or shrivel.
What to do: Prune away all affected stems immediately and dispose of them in the trash, not your compost. Improve air circulation by thinning out dense patches.
Transplant Shock
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves fall shortly after you have moved or replanted the vinca.
What to do: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy while the plant adjusts. Avoid fertilizing until you see new growth appearing.
Find out what's wrong with your periwinkle
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if you see black stems spreading through the patch, as this indicates blight. It is normal to see a few old leaves drop during the spring growth flush.
Stopping it coming back
Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal growth.
Keep your periwinkle healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my vinca grow back after blight?
- Yes, if you catch it early and remove the infected parts, the plant can recover. Ensure the area has good airflow to prevent a recurrence.
- Does vinca minor flower?
- Yes, it produces small blue or purple flowers in the spring. It needs partial shade and consistent moisture to bloom well.
More problems with periwinkle
- Why is my periwinkle suffering from root rot?
- Why does my Vinca minor have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Vinca minor growing so leggy?
- Why are my periwinkle leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my periwinkle not producing flowers?
- Why are the tips of my Vinca minor turning brown?
- Why is my vinca minor drooping?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.