Lemon Grass vs Periwinkle Vinca Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemon Grass is a tall, perennial grass characterized by its fragrant, lemon-scented leaves and stalks. It typically grows in dense clumps, reaching heights of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) outdoors. The plant is primarily cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes, with its stalks and leaves used to flavor dishes, teas, and herbal remedies. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and may not thrive as well as it does outdoors. People grow it for its unique flavor and aroma, as well as its potential health benefits.
Periwinkle Vinca
Vinca minor
Vinca minor, commonly known as Common Periwinkle, is a trailing, evergreen perennial vine often used as a ground cover. It features glossy, dark green, oval leaves and produces small, five-petaled, typically blue-violet flowers in spring. While it can be grown in containers, it's primarily an outdoor plant valued for its ability to quickly spread and suppress weeds. People grow it for its attractive foliage, pretty flowers, and erosion control capabilities. It is not naturally an indoor plant and will struggle to thrive indoors.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Lemon Grass | Periwinkle Vinca |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Partial shade to full shade outdoors. Indoors, bright indirect light is required, but it will likely not thrive. |
| Watering | Every 2-3 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter (every 7-10 days) | Every 10-14 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. Check soil moisture regularly. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-30°C | 15-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Max Height | 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet) indoors, up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) outdoors | 10-15 cm (indoors, may be slightly taller if leggy) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, loamy soil. A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is suitable. | Well-draining, loamy soil. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost is suitable for containers. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly (mostly for pruning and removing dead leaves). |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass
| Scientific Name | Cymbopogon citratus |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand) |
| Also Known As | Lemon Grass, Lemongrass, Oil Grass, Fever Grass, Tanglad |
| Leaves | The leaves of Lemon Grass are long, slender, and blade-like, typically reaching lengths of 30-90 cm (12-35 inches). They are a vibrant green color and have a slightly rough texture. The leaves have a prominent midrib and taper to a sharp point. When crushed, they release a strong lemon scent. |
| Flowers | Lemon Grass rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it may produce flower spikes in warm climates, but flowering is infrequent and not the primary reason for cultivation. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. |
Periwinkle Vinca
| Scientific Name | Vinca minor |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Native To | Central and Southern Europe |
| Also Known As | Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Myrtle |
| Leaves | Oppositely arranged, oval-shaped leaves that are glossy, dark green, and approximately 2-5 cm long. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces small, five-petaled flowers, typically blue-violet, in spring and sporadically throughout the summer. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Lemon Grass
Periwinkle Vinca
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Lemon Grass
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide mature clumps in spring or summer. Ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots. Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist. Seeds can be sown indoors in early spring.
Periwinkle Vinca
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Layering
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Root them in water or directly in moist soil. For division, separate rooted sections of the plant and replant them. Layering involves burying a section of stem while still attached to the parent plant until roots form.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is known for its distinct lemon scent and flavor, which is due to the presence of citronellal and geraniol. It is a fast-growing grass that can reach impressive heights under optimal conditions. Unlike many ornamental grasses, it is primarily grown for its culinary and medicinal uses.
- ✓ Adds a unique flavor to culinary dishes
- ✓ Provides a refreshing aroma
- ✓ May have medicinal properties
- ✓ Acts as a natural insect repellent
- ✓ Enhances the aesthetic appeal of a garden or patio
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Periwinkle Vinca
Vinca minor is known for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and its rapid spreading habit. It forms a dense mat of foliage that effectively suppresses weeds. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest.
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes.
- ✓ Suppresses weed growth.
- ✓ Provides evergreen ground cover.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators with its flowers.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to shady areas.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Lemon Grass
Periwinkle Vinca
🌞 Light Requirements
Lemon Grass
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Periwinkle Vinca
Partial shade to full shade outdoors. Indoors, bright indirect light is required, but it will likely not thrive.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Lemon Grass
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown. Ensure good drainage.
Periwinkle Vinca
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In containers, ensure good drainage. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil. Underwatering is indicated by wilting leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Lemon Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Periwinkle Vinca
Temperature: 15-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratusExperienced gardeners who can provide ample sunlight and manage its growth.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a fragrant herb for cooking and teas
- You have a sunny outdoor space
- You enjoy the challenge of growing plants that require specific conditions
- You want a natural insect repellent
- You are interested in the potential health benefits of Lemon Grass
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest it
- You lack a very sunny location
- You don't want to deal with a plant that spreads via rhizomes
Periwinkle Vinca
Vinca minorGardeners looking for a low-maintenance ground cover for shady areas outdoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You need a fast-spreading ground cover for a shady area outdoors.
- You want a low-maintenance plant for erosion control.
- You appreciate evergreen foliage and small, attractive flowers.
- You want to suppress weeds in your garden.
- You are looking for a plant that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant.
- You live in an area where Vinca minor is considered an invasive species.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass Care Tips
Lemon Grass is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and consistent moisture. Growing it indoors can be challenging due to its high light requirements. It also spreads via rhizomes, so it may outgrow its container quickly. Regular division and repotting are necessary.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season
- Divide the plant every 1-2 years to control its spread
Periwinkle Vinca Care Tips
Vinca minor is primarily an outdoor ground cover and is challenging to grow indoors. It requires bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and careful watering. It can be prone to pests and diseases indoors. Its aggressive spreading habit can also be difficult to manage in a container.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to control spread and maintain shape.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Lemon Grass
Periwinkle Vinca
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass
What are the light requirements for Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass requires at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place it near an east- or west-facing window where it receives filtered light. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. Inadequate light can lead to leggy growth and reduced essential oil production, affecting the plant’s fragrance. Avoid placing Lemon Grass in a dark or shaded area.
How do I care for Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-draining soil. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Lemon Grass prefers warm temperatures and high humidity; consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. Repot annually in the spring to provide fresh soil and space for growth. Protect from frost and cold temperatures, as it is not cold-hardy. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat accordingly.
How do I propagate Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or air layering. For division, carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. For air layering, make a small cut on a stem, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover with plastic wrap. Once roots develop, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in soil. Propagation is best done in the spring or summer.
Periwinkle Vinca
What are the light requirements for Periwinkle Vinca?
Periwinkle Vinca thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun and bright indirect light throughout the day. A west-facing window can work if you filter the afternoon sun with sheer curtains. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering. If growing outdoors, choose a location that receives partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
How do I care for Periwinkle Vinca?
Periwinkle Vinca thrives in well-draining soil and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer to promote abundant blooms. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and remove spent flowers, encouraging new growth and continuous flowering. Periwinkle prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Protect from frost in colder climates, as it is not frost-hardy. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers. Monitor regularly for pests like aphids or spider mites and treat promptly if detected.
How do I propagate Periwinkle Vinca?
Periwinkle Vinca can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks. Division is also possible, carefully separating established clumps at the roots. While not common, keikis (small plantlets) can occasionally form on stems, which can be carefully removed and potted. Ensure the cutting or division has adequate roots before transplanting to a larger pot.
Last updated: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.