Knowledgebase
Growth in Flowerbed #870739
Asked May 30, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
Gladwin County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Danielle,
That is vinca minor, periwinkle or myrtle vine. It is an aggressive groundcover that freely roots at internodes that come in contact with soil. It also develops very deep roots. There are two ways to clean it out of your flower garden – Physically dig it out or treat it with a herbicide. Both removal methods require diligence and monitoring of any regrowth.
If you choose to dig it out, you need to know that the roots are deep and the creeping stems readily root into the soil. Dig out as much as you can and monitor for any regrowth from roots that are left behind. Remove new growth as soon as possible in order to weaken the roots as much as possible. With a couple of years of close monitoring and quick clean-up, you should be pretty much rid of the periwinkle.
If you choose to use herbicides, be cautious not to let the chemical come in contact with any desirable flowers. A non-selective herbicide is necessary to remove the periwinkle and it will kill anything else it comes in contact with. Also, the vine has a very glossy leaf. You will need to use an oil based herbicide in order to get good coverage on the leaves. With a couple of years of retreatment, you should be able to remove all the periwinkle.
Here is a good summary article about removing periwinkle: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=756247
Good morning and thank you for reviewing my question. However, the vinca is not what I needed identified. If you look on top of the soil, there is a black growth. This is what needs to be identified. The vinca was planted as a ground cover, but this black growth is spreading throughout the flower bed. It does not seem to affect the flowers/plants, but would like it identified to start getting rid of it. I have attached a couple more photos hoping that will help.
Thank you,
Danielle Schrock
Consumer Horticulture Instructor
Michigan State University Extension
555 W. Cedar Ave
Gladwin, MI 48624
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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 9:59 PM
To: Schrock, Danielle <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Growth in Flowerbed (#0140659)
Hello Danielle,
I did not realize what you were referring to. The black growth on the surface of the soil is likely some type of fungal growth. It would be essentially impossible to identify from the pictures alone. If you want it identified, the best option is to take a sample of the growth and send it to the MSU Diagnostic Lab for identification. If you submit a sample for identification, include the pictures and background information (number of years it has been present, how often you water, what mulch or soil amendments were applied, what was growing there before) as well. All of this may help the lab identify the fungus.
Be aware that there is likely not much to do to prevent the fungus. Fungus growth is fueled by decaying material. The only sure way to prevent the black growth is to identify, isolate and remove the decaying material below the surface of the soil.
To send a sample to the MSU lab: Carefully isolate a specimen of the fungus and send it to the MSU Diagnostic Labs for positive identification. The following website describes the services and the fee structure for analysis performed by the Diagnostic Lab.: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
This website provides directions and tips for taking a good sample:
