Is There Anything That Will Kill Hairy Bittercress, Post Emergence, And Not Kill The Vinca (Periwinkle) It Is Imbedded In?

Question

I have a bank on which we cultivate Vinca for erosion control along with mulch. It has been invaded by Hairy Bittercress to an extent that pulling all of it is impossible. We’ve been trying. Is there anything that will kill the bittercress and not harm the Vinca (periwinkle)?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, any broadleaf herbicide will target the Vinca, as well. What I could suggest is to dig up a few patches of Vinca and kill the entire area with an herbicide. Once you have given it a few weeks to clear off, you can replant.

Another option will be to dig up a few plants to replant, then kill the entire area with boiling water, or solarization. These two methods will leave the soil plantable, immediately, after treatment.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/hairy-bittercress-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/boiling-water-and-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm