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Vinca major - rust solution #790207

Asked May 11, 2022, 10:17 AM EDT

I've been able to positively identify that my vinca is suffering from rust. My questions are: 1. Is it contagious to other plants nearby (it's a boarder plant and I have lilac behind and lawn in front and some large oak trees)? 2. Regarding treatment--I think it's time for chemical action. I have chickens, dog, cat, and children. What would you recommend? Last year when I noticed the rust, I cut the vinca back to the ground and destroyed the removed foliage. This year the rust is showing up much earlier so I believe the soil is infected? 3. If I were to remove the vinca entirely, can you recommend a rust-resistant alternative? The area is only naturally irrigated by rain and is under the canopy of large oak trees so shady in the summer and sunny in the winter. Thanks for your help!

Hood River County Oregon

Expert Response

Unfortunately, our group cannot answer your question because it doesn't serve your location. Please contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. A good way to find your local office is to go to https://extension.org/search/ and enter your county or parish name along with your state name. You might also use your favorite search engine and enter "cooperative extension" along with your county name.

Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff Replied May 11, 2022, 5:05 PM EDT

Hello,

I live in Hood River County.  I was over in Washington for a meeting when I sent my request and I'm not sure why (maybe GPS?), but when I selected my county from the dropdown list the only options were those in WA State---none were Oregon counties--so I just picked the closest one to where I live just across the border.  Should I resubmit my question?

Thanks for your help!  -Catherine

The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2022, 2:51 AM EDT
Thank you for trying again, Catherine.  Here is what our experts say about the rust fungus which harms vinca:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/vinca-spp-periwinkle-rust
This fungus is systemic within the plant itself, but does not infect other species.  The article lists fungicides which help its control, but which may not be available to home gardeners.  It's probably earlier this year because it wasn't completely removed.
This Extension article has suggestions for plants which may be good alternatives:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1623.pdf
Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 12, 2022, 4:23 PM EDT

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