Are Vinca Vines Deer Resistant? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, vinca vines are generally considered deer resistant, making them a popular and reliable choice for gardeners in areas with deer pressure. Deer typically avoid vinca due to its taste and texture, which they find unpalatable. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, vinca's deer resistance is consistently rated as high, meaning deer will usually pass it over in favor of other, more appealing plants.

What Are Vinca Vines?

Before discussing their deer resistance, let's establish what vinca vines are. The term "vinca" usually refers to two main types of plants, both within the genus Vinca and belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae): Periwinkle (Vinca minor) and Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major), as well as the annual flowering plant often called "vinca" or "Madagascar Periwinkle" (Catharanthus roseus), which is botanically different but shares the common name. For the purpose of deer resistance, we primarily focus on Vinca minor and Vinca major.

Key characteristics of Vinca minor (Periwinkle) and Vinca major (Bigleaf Periwinkle):

• Groundcover: Both are fast-growing, evergreen perennial groundcovers that spread by trailing stems that root where they touch the soil.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, oval leaves. Vinca minor has smaller leaves, while Vinca major has larger leaves and a coarser texture. Some variegated cultivars exist.
• Flowers: Small, five-petaled, usually blue-purple flowers (though white and pink varieties exist) that bloom in spring and sporadically through summer.
• Hardiness: Vinca minor is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Vinca major is slightly less hardy, typically Zones 7-9.
• Shade tolerant: While they can tolerate some sun, they thrive in partial to full shade, making them valuable for difficult shaded areas.
• Low maintenance: Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and require minimal care.
• Invasive potential: Both can be aggressive spreaders, especially Vinca major, and can be considered invasive in some regions.

Their specific taste, texture, and growth habit contribute to their reputation as deer-resistant groundcovers.

Why Are Vinca Vines Generally Deer Resistant?

The reason vinca vines are generally deer resistant boils down to the plant's natural characteristics that make them unappealing or even unpleasant to grazing deer. Deer, while opportunistic, tend to avoid plants that possess certain qualities.

Key reasons for vinca's deer resistance:

1. Unpalatable Taste:

   • Alkaloids: Vinca plants contain certain alkaloids (e.g., vincamine, vincristine, vinblastine). These compounds give the plant a bitter taste that deer find unappetizing. While humans don't typically consume vinca, these chemicals are part of its natural defense mechanism.
   • Deer Preference: Deer use their sense of smell and taste to evaluate plants. Bitter or strong-flavored plants are usually passed over for sweeter, more palatable options.

2. Texture:

   • Leathery/Waxy Leaves: The glossy, somewhat leathery texture of vinca leaves is not particularly appealing to deer. They often prefer softer, more succulent foliage.
   • Thick Coverage: When vinca forms a dense mat, it can be a bit more difficult for deer to browse casually compared to upright plants with individual, easily accessible leaves.

3. Relative Toxicity (Mild):

   • While not highly toxic, the alkaloids in vinca can cause mild digestive upset in animals if consumed in large quantities. Deer seem to instinctively recognize this and generally avoid it.

Important Considerations:

• No plant is 100% deer-proof: It's crucial to understand that no plant is truly 100% deer-proof. A hungry deer, especially in times of drought, food scarcity, or high deer population density, might browse on plants it would normally avoid, including vinca.
• "Deer Resistant" vs. "Deer Proof": Deer resistant means "deer rarely eat" or "deer prefer not to eat." Deer proof implies they will never eat it, which is not true for any plant.
• Youth vs. Maturity: Young, tender vinca growth might be slightly more susceptible to browsing than established, more woody plants, but generally, deer still leave it alone.

So, while a single hungry deer might take a exploratory bite, the inherent unpalatability and texture of vinca vines usually place them low on a deer's menu, securing their reputation as a reliable deer-resistant groundcover.

Which Vinca Species Are More Deer Resistant?

When considering vinca for deer resistance, both the common groundcover species, Periwinkle (Vinca minor) and Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major), are highly effective. There isn't a significant difference in their deer-resistant properties; both are generally avoided by deer. The choice between them usually comes down to other factors like hardiness, desired spread, and leaf size.

1. Vinca minor (Common Periwinkle or Dwarf Periwinkle)

• Deer Resistance Rating: Generally rated as "Rarely Damaged" by deer.
• Characteristics:
  • Smaller leaves: Dark green, glossy leaves, typically 1-2 inches long.
  • Growth habit: Forms a dense, low-growing mat (4-6 inches tall). Spreads vigorously but is generally easier to control than Vinca major.
  • Hardiness: More cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 4-9.
  • Flowers: Small, usually blue-purple flowers in spring, with sporadic blooms thereafter.
• Ideal Use: Best for smaller areas, under trees, or in colder climates where a highly effective, lower-growing deer-resistant groundcover is desired.

2. Vinca major (Bigleaf Periwinkle)

• Deer Resistance Rating: Also generally rated as "Rarely Damaged" by deer.
• Characteristics:
  • Larger leaves: Broader, often heart-shaped leaves, 2-3 inches long, with a coarser texture.
  • Growth habit: More vigorous and taller growth (6-18 inches tall), with longer trailing stems. Can be aggressive and more challenging to contain, potentially becoming invasive in warmer climates.
  • Hardiness: Slightly less cold-hardy, typically USDA Zones 7-9.
  • Flowers: Larger, deep blue-purple flowers than Vinca minor.
• Ideal Use: Suitable for larger areas where rapid coverage is desired and you are prepared to manage its vigorous spread. Often used on slopes or in areas where a coarser texture is preferred.

What About Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)?

• This is an annual plant often called "Vinca" but is botanically distinct. It also shares similar unpalatable qualities with Vinca minor and Vinca major.
• Deer Resistance Rating: Generally considered deer resistant as well.
• Characteristics: Upright annual, with glossy green leaves and a profusion of white, pink, or purple flowers throughout the summer.
• Ideal Use: For sunny annual beds or containers where a continuous, deer-resistant flower display is desired for one season.

In summary, if your primary concern is deer resistance, both Vinca minor and Vinca major are excellent choices. Your decision should then be guided by your climate, the size of the area you want to cover, and your preference for leaf size and growth habit.

How Can Vinca Vines Be Used in a Deer-Prone Garden?

Given their strong deer resistance, vinca vines can be strategically employed in a deer-prone garden to great effect, providing attractive groundcover and a reliable green backdrop where other plants might be constantly browsed.

1. Mass Plantings as Groundcover:

• Under trees and shrubs: Ideal for planting under trees or larger shrubs where deer often browse other plants. Vinca creates a dense, evergreen carpet that discourages deer from venturing further into the bed.
• Slopes and banks: Excellent for covering slopes and banks, where its spreading habit helps with erosion control, and deer typically avoid steep terrain.
• Shady areas: Thrives in partial to full shade, filling in challenging spots where few other deer-resistant plants flourish.

2. Edging and Borders:

• Defining beds: Use vinca to create a deer-resistant border around flower beds or vegetable patches. While deer might step over it, the unpalatable border can make them pause, potentially deterring them from the more tempting plants inside.
• Walkways: Plant along pathways to create a lush, green edge that also serves as a deer deterrent.

3. Mixed Plantings with Vulnerable Plants:

• "Deer Don't Like It" Layer: Plant vinca as a groundcover beneath more deer-favored shrubs or trees. While it won't guarantee protection for the upper plants, a dense layer of deer-resistant vinca can make the area less appealing for browsing.
• Perimeter planting: Create a perimeter of vinca around a vulnerable planting area.

4. Container Plantings:

• Trailing accent: In containers on a patio or deck, allow Vinca major to spill over the edges as a beautiful, deer-resistant "spiller." This can be particularly effective if deer tend to nibble on plants in pots.

5. Transition Zones:

• Use vinca in transition areas between wooded, deer-inhabited zones and your more cultivated garden beds. This creates a deer-resistant buffer zone.

Important considerations when using vinca:

• Invasive potential: Especially Vinca major, can be aggressive. Be prepared to manage its spread by trimming the runners if it starts to take over. Avoid planting it near natural areas where it could escape and outcompete native plants.
• Moisture: While drought-tolerant once established, vinca needs consistent moisture during its establishment period.

By strategically placing vinca vines in your garden, you can leverage their deer resistance to create beautiful, low-maintenance areas that are less likely to be damaged by browsing deer, allowing you to enjoy your landscape more fully.

Other Deer-Resistant Plants to Pair with Vinca

While vinca vines are excellent deer-resistant groundcovers, a diverse garden always offers more interest and resilience. Pairing vinca with other deer-resistant plants creates a multi-layered defense and a visually appealing landscape that deer are likely to pass by.

Good deer-resistant companion plants for vinca:

For Shade/Partial Shade (where Vinca thrives):

1. Ferns: Most ferns are deer resistant due to their tough, sometimes fuzzy texture and unpalatable taste.
   • Examples: Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora). A variety pack of shade ferns could be beautiful.
2. Hellebores (Lenten Rose): Evergreen perennials with beautiful winter/early spring blooms. Highly deer resistant due to toxicity.
3. Astilbe: Feathery plumes and attractive foliage. Deer tend to avoid them.
4. Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis): Unique heart-shaped flowers and delicate foliage. Deer resistant due to mild toxicity.
5. Lungwort (Pulmonaria): Spotted foliage and early spring flowers. Deer resistant.
6. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Native groundcover with foamy white flowers. Deer resistant.

For Sun/Partial Sun (for nearby beds or containers):

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Highly aromatic and tough. Deer strongly dislike the strong scent.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.): Many varieties with strong fragrance and texture. Excellent for attracting pollinators while deterring deer. A deer resistant salvia collection offers great options.
3. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): Sturdy, daisy-like flowers. Deer usually leave them alone.
4. Ornamental Grasses: Many varieties, especially coarser-textured ones, are deer resistant.
   • Examples: Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis), Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca).
5. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.): Toxic to deer, so they are reliably left alone.
6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.): Classic evergreen shrub, generally deer resistant due to its taste and texture.
7. Yarrow (Achillea spp.): Aromatic foliage and flat-topped flower clusters. Deer tend to avoid.

Plants with Strong Scents or Texture:

• Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage. These aromatic herbs are often excellent deer deterrents.
• Spiny/Prickly Plants: While not always pairing directly with vinca, plants with thorns or prickly leaves (e.g., Mahonia, some Hollies) are physically unappealing to deer.

By creating a diverse planting scheme that includes vinca vines alongside other plants that deer find unappetizing, you increase the likelihood of deer passing through your garden without stopping for a meal.

How Deer Resistance Ratings Work (and What They Mean for Vinca)

Understanding deer resistance ratings is crucial for managing expectations when designing a garden in an area with deer. These ratings aren't absolute guarantees, but rather indicators based on observed deer behavior, and for vinca vines, the ratings are consistently favorable.

Common Deer Resistance Rating Categories:

Most plant lists and garden resources use a similar tiered system for deer resistance:

1. Rarely Damaged / Rarely Eaten:

   • Description: These plants are almost always avoided by deer. They have strong characteristics (e.g., bitter taste, tough texture, high toxicity, strong fragrance) that make them very unappealing.
   • Vinca's Rating: Vinca vines consistently fall into this "Rarely Damaged" category. This is the highest level of deer resistance you can expect.
   • Expectation: You can generally plant these with confidence, knowing they are very low on a deer's preference list.

2. Seldom Damaged / Seldom Eaten:

   • Description: Deer may browse these plants occasionally, particularly during times of food scarcity or high deer pressure, but they are not a preferred food source.
   • Expectation: Good candidates, but still carry a small risk.

3. Occasionally Damaged / Sometimes Eaten:

   • Description: Deer will eat these plants fairly regularly, especially if their preferred foods are unavailable.
   • Expectation: Plant these with caution and be prepared for browsing.

4. Frequently Damaged / Often Eaten:

   • Description: These are deer favorites and will be regularly browsed or severely damaged if left unprotected.
   • Expectation: Avoid these plants if deer are a major problem, or use extensive protective measures.

Factors Influencing Deer Behavior and Ratings:

• Hunger Level: A starving deer will eat almost anything, even "deer-resistant" plants.
• Deer Population Density: In areas with very high deer populations, competition for food can force deer to browse plants they'd normally ignore.
• Time of Year: Deer preferences can change seasonally. For example, they might be more inclined to eat tender new growth in spring.
• Availability of Preferred Foods: If deer's favorite plants (hostas, impatiens, roses) are abundant, they're less likely to bother with vinca.
• Individual Deer Preferences: Like people, individual deer can have varying tastes. One deer might browse a plant another avoids.
• New Introduction: Sometimes deer will take an "exploratory bite" out of a newly introduced plant just to see if it's edible.

For gardeners in deer-infested areas, choosing plants like vinca vines, which are reliably rated as "rarely damaged," is a strategic decision that offers a high probability of success. It means you're investing in a plant that provides consistent beauty with minimal worry about deer browsing.

Best Practices for Growing Vinca Vines in a Deer-Prone Garden

Even with their excellent deer resistance, employing best practices for growing vinca vines in a deer-prone garden ensures they thrive, establish quickly, and continue to deter deer effectively.

1. Site Selection:

• Shade Preference: Plant vinca in partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, too much intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves, especially in hot climates.
• Soil: Ensure well-draining soil. Vinca is adaptable but hates soggy conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter and grit to improve drainage.
• Space: Plan for its spread. Vinca minor is vigorous but more manageable; Vinca major can be very aggressive. Consider its invasive potential in your region before planting.

2. Planting:

• Spacing: Space plants about 6-12 inches apart for Vinca minor and 12-18 inches apart for Vinca major to achieve quick coverage.
• Watering at planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the plants establish. A garden hose with adjustable nozzle can provide gentle watering.

3. Watering:

• Establishment phase: Water regularly during the first growing season until the plants are well-established. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A soil moisture meter can help gauge moisture levels.
• Drought tolerance: Once established, vinca is remarkably drought-tolerant and usually only needs supplemental watering during extended dry spells.

4. Fertilization:

• Minimal needs: Vinca thrives in lean soil and generally does not require heavy fertilization.
• Light feeding (optional): A light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in spring can be beneficial for establishing plants or if growth seems sluggish. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leggy growth.

5. Pruning and Maintenance:

• Control spread: Due to their vigorous nature, vinca may require periodic pruning to keep it contained, especially Vinca major. Trim back runners that venture outside desired boundaries.
• Rejuvenation: If the groundcover becomes too dense or leggy, a hard cutback in early spring (mowing on a high setting or shearing by hand) can rejuvenate it.
• Weed control: Once established, vinca forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds. However, initially, keep the area weed-free to allow the vinca to establish dominance.

6. Monitoring Deer Activity:

• Observe: Even with deer-resistant plants, always observe your garden for signs of deer activity. Look for tracks, droppings, or any unusual browsing on vinca or surrounding plants.
• Adapt: If you notice vinca being browsed (which is rare), it's a sign that deer pressure is extremely high, and you might need to combine vinca with other strong deterrents or physical barriers for truly vulnerable plants.

By following these best practices for vinca care, you not only ensure a thriving, attractive groundcover but also strengthen your garden's defenses against unwanted deer browsing.

The Overall Impact of Deer on Garden Landscapes

The presence of deer in garden landscapes can have a profound and often devastating overall impact, extending far beyond just nibbled vegetables. Understanding this broader context highlights why deer-resistant plants like vinca vines are such valuable assets.

1. Direct Plant Damage:

• Browsing: Deer eat leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, leading to defoliation, stunted growth, and loss of harvest for many beloved plants.
• Buck Rubbing: Male deer (bucks) rub their antlers on young trees and shrubs, especially in the fall, to remove velvet or mark territory. This can strip bark, damage branches, and even kill young trees.
• Trampling: Deer can trample smaller plants, damage delicate garden beds, or compact soil with their hooves.

2. Economic Impact:

• Loss of crops: For home gardeners, it's a loss of food and enjoyment. For commercial growers, it can be significant financial loss.
• Cost of prevention: Investment in fencing, repellents, or deer-resistant plants adds to gardening expenses.
• Replacement costs: Replacing damaged or destroyed plants can be costly.

3. Aesthetic Degradation:

• Ugly plants: Severely browsed plants can look ragged, misshapen, or completely bare, destroying the intended beauty of a landscape.
• Patchy lawns: Deer may also graze on lawns, leading to uneven patches.

4. Ecological Impact:

• Altered plant communities: Sustained heavy browsing can change the composition of plant communities, favoring deer-resistant (or even invasive) species over native, more palatable ones.
• Reduced forest regeneration: Deer can prevent the successful regeneration of certain tree species by browsing on seedlings and saplings.
• Disease vectors: Deer can carry ticks, which transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses, posing a health risk to humans and pets.

5. Increased Maintenance:

• Constant vigilance: Gardeners in deer-prone areas often spend considerable time and effort on deer deterrents, repairing damage, or replanting.

The challenges posed by deer are significant, which is why incorporating reliable deer-resistant plants like vinca vines into your garden design is a smart and sustainable strategy. By understanding deer behavior and utilizing a combination of robust plants and protective measures, gardeners can still create beautiful and productive outdoor spaces, even in areas frequented by these charming, yet destructive, animals.