Holes in Vinca Flowers: How to Stop Vinca Pests

Do you have a Vinca plant in your garden? If so, take a close look at the flowers. There’s a good chance that you’ll see small holes in them. The good news is that I’ve faced this issue before and have some helpful tips to share.

Why Are There Holes in My Vinca Flowers?

Pests are the primary culprits when it comes to holes in vinca flowers. The most common offenders are aphids, thrips, and spider mites, and beetles. These pests love eating vinca flowers and can quickly cause damage as they chew through the petals and leaves.

These pests hide, so it’s understandable to not know they’re there until you see the damage they’ve done. The best way to combat them is to regularly inspect your plants and look for signs of pests. If you see any, take action immediately to get rid of them before they cause more damage.

How to Remove Pests from Vinca Flowers?

Big pests can be handpicked and removed from your plants. For smaller pests, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Insecticidal soap
• Neem oil
• Diatomaceous earth
• Horticultural oil
• Pyrethrin-based insecticide

You’ll need to experiment to see which method works best on the pests in your garden. Start with the least toxic option and only use stronger pesticides as a last resort.

My favorite pesticide for small pests is Neem oil, which is made from the seeds of the neem tree. It’s a natural insecticide that’s very effective against aphids, thrips, spider mites, and beetles.

To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the instructions on the bottle. Then, use a sprayer to apply it to your plants. Make sure to cover the entire plant, including the underside of the leaves, where pests like to hide.

You’ll need to reapply Neem oil every few days until the pests are gone. Once they’re gone, you can reduce the frequency of applications. The best time to apply neem oil is in the evening because it can cause leaf burn if applied in direct sunlight.

How to Keep Pests Away From Vinca?

The best way to keep pests away from your vinca plants is to practice prevention. Here are a few tips:

• Keep your garden clean and free of debris
• Remove any dead or dying plants from your garden
• Inspect new plants before adding them to your garden
• Quarantine new plants until you’re sure they’re not infested with pests
• Use row covers to keep pests away from your plants

By following these tips, you can keep your vinca plants healthy and free of pests. It can also be helpful to apply neem oil on a regular basis as a preventative measure.

What Else Causes Holes in Vinca?

There are a handful of other reasons why you might see holes in your vinca flowers. Here are a few other possibilities:

Animals

While deer do not eat vinca flowers, they can damage the plants while they’re browsing for other food. Voles and rabbits can also cause damage as they nibble on the leaves and flowers.

If you suspect that animals are causing holes in your vinca flowers, you can take steps to deter them. For example, you can use fencing or netting to keep animals out of your garden. You can also try using repellents, but be sure to choose one that’s safe for use around pets and children.

Disease

Certain diseases can cause holes in vinca flowers. The most common is botrytis blight, which causes the flowers to turn brown and die. If you suspect that disease is the cause of holes in your vinca flowers, take steps to treat the problem immediately.

The best way to prevent disease is to practice good gardening habits. For example, water your plants at the base instead of wetting the leaves. This will help reduce the chances of diseases like botrytis blight from taking hold.

Weather

Holes in vinca flowers can also be caused by extreme weather conditions. For example, high winds can cause the petals to tear, and hail can cause bruising and holes. If you suspect that weather is the cause of holes in your vinca flowers, there’s not much you can do except wait for the plants to recover.

Conclusion

Holes in vinca flowers can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, disease, and weather. By taking steps to prevent problems and treating them early, you can keep your vinca plants healthy and free of holes.

Personally, I’ve found that pests are the most common cause of holes in vinca flowers. To prevent pests from damaging my plants, I practice good gardening habits and use neem oil on a regular basis. What has been your experience? Let me know in the comments below.