Vinca Major problem


Here in Dallas, my vinca major has gone from healthy to looking like it's been sprayed with weed killer. Someone mentioned leaf rollers but I don't see any evidence of bugs. Is this a fungal disease?

Comments for Vinca Major problem

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Black Death
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Long ago when the urge to produce many cell packs of Vinca minor and V. major for landscapers became a popular thing, this is one of the issues that cropped up.

Friends in the horticulture business called it the Black Death.

It seems to be primarily fungal, but it seems that there are some opportunistic bacteria that get in on the action once the plant is susceptible.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for it, as it's in the soil all over, so unless your plants are really healthy and can fight it off, they will always run the risk of getting it.

Provide good drainage, always. And start pulling out and culling any that show the signs of damage. In time, the only plants left will be more resistant to it.

I don't recommend the use of fungicides in a home garden situation, due to the problem of it becoming resistant and needing more and more deadly chemicals.

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