Vinca major is often planted as a colourful ground cover for shady areas, but it smothers out native vegetation and overtakes the ground layer. It invades moist and shady
sites in bushland as well as waterways.
• Spreads by stems along the ground
• Broken pieces left behind will grow into new plants
• Plant pieces can also spread by water and established downstream
• Spread by dumping garden waste
Manual control
Cover infested area with black plastic, leave for two months then remove. Repeat if necessary. Can be slashed but will grow back. All root structure has to be removed. Mulching may control
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate rate as specified on the label and all safety precautions followed. If chemical control is necessary near drainage lines or streams, use extreme caution as the effects on aquatic life can be devastating even in minute amounts. Always seek expert advice.
Chemical control notes from SGLN’s 2017 weed guide
To date there is no registered chemical, off label* you can try and use Round Up with Pulse penetrant but repeat treatment will probably be required. Always check the herbicide label before use.
These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date. Please ask local suppliers and do your own research in selecting herbicides if choosing chemical control.
Family, origin, type, plant instead, control methods and the note above are from SGLN’s pocket guide Common weeds of South Gippsland (2026).
