What is myrtle ground cover?

Myrtle ground cover (Vinca minor), also called periwinkle, is an evergreen plant with small, star-shaped flowers that develop in spring. The plants display blossoms in purple, white or blue and grow approximately 6 inches tall, spreading quickly from long shoots.

Is myrtle ground cover easy to grow?

The lush green perennial ground cover, which has its origins in Europe, is considered an invasive plant in some parts of the United States because of its easy, aggressive growth. Creeping myrtle enjoys full sun, but it can grow in partial shade and doesn't require much in the way of special soil or water.

Does creeping myrtle spread?

Creeping myrtle is a fast-spreading, 4- to 8-inch-tall, evergreen groundcover with shiny green leaves borne in pairs on long, arching stems. Star-like, 1-inch-wide blue flowers bloom for one month in spring.

Is creeping myrtle a good ground cover?

Cultivation. Creeping myrtle grows best in evenly moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 8, although it will adapt to average soil. It prefers partial shade, but will grow in full shade and makes a good ground cover beneath shade trees.

Is creeping myrtle the same as periwinkle?

Creeping Myrtle, Vinca minor, goes by many names; Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle or even Dwarf Myrtle. It is a glossy dark green evergreen ground cover with large, showy lavender-blue flowers that bloom from May to June.

⟹ PERIWINKLE | Vinca Minor | Makes a great ground cover but can be a disaster here's why!

What is the difference between vinca and myrtle?

Dear N.S.: Myrtle is a common name for Vinca minor, a hardy mostly evergreen trailing woody plant that is used as a groundcover. It is native to Europe. It has small pale violet blue flowers in the spring. Another common name, lesser periwinkle, is the source of the name of the color periwinkle blue, like the flowers.

Is myrtle an invasive plant?

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

Can you mow creeping myrtle?

➺ Once established, it is difficult to get rid of the creeping myrtle. The plant is extremely invasive, and it can smother everything in its path. So, the growth should be controlled promptly and properly. ➺ Hard pruning (or mowing) should be followed by an application of glyphosate-based herbicide on new growth.

How do I trim myrtle ground cover?

Small or young plantings of flowering myrtle vine and those on steep slopes can be pruned with handheld pruning shears. Sterilize them with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading diseases from other plants and trim the plants down to 4 to 6 inches tall. Prune in the early spring before new growth emerges.

How do I control myrtle?

Spray the area where myrtle is growing with the glyphosate. Apply the glyphosate to the tops and bottoms of the myrtle leaves and vine. Monitor the vine for dieback over the next week. Apply more glyphosate to the myrtle as needed for control.

Where should I plant myrtle?

Common myrtle prefers locations with high exposure to sunlight. It likes rich, well-drained soil: that is where it flowers best. Adding soil conditioner when planting enhances settling in and root development. Water well during the first 2 years after planting.

Does creeping myrtle bloom all summer?

Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety.

How do I get rid of creeping myrtle?

The best way to get rid of it is to hand pull as much of it as you can, making sure to remove as much of the roots as you can. Once this is done, then you can treat the area with an herbicide (though be careful not to get it on any plants you want to keep).

Does myrtle need sun or shade?

Myrtle, Also Called Vinca or Periwinkle

Spring and early fall are considered the best times to plant myrtle. It prospers in dappled sunlight but will also grow in full sun and even in dense shade. Use it instead of mulch under trees and shrubs to control weeds, or plant it in difficult-to-mow areas.

What does the plant myrtle look like?

Myrtus communis (true myrtle), of the family Myrtaceae, is a fragrant, evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers with long stamens, and, after their blooming, purple-black berries. It is native to Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

Is creeping myrtle poisonous?

Also known as common periwinkle, creeping myrtle (Vinca minor) is a sprawling evergreen vine that is grown in the United States as a flowering ground cover. Not surprisingly for a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), creeping myrtle is toxic to dogs. Creeping myrtle is also poisonous to humans, cats and horses.

Should I trim ground cover?

Ground cover tends to be hardy and will spring back to life quickly, so don't be afraid to trim it all the way down to an inch or so above ground. This method should also be used for vines growing over trees or walls. Mow larger portions of ground cover that cannot be easily pruned by hand with a lawnmower.

Why is my creeping myrtle dying?

Too much or too little water will cause the creeping myrtle's foliage to wilt, discolor, brown and fall from the plant. Excessive moisture increases the possibility of fungus, diseases and pests. Watering is only necessary during periods of excessive heat and dry conditions, when the top few inches of soil is dry.

Should I cut back Vinca minor?

Avoid pruning vinca minor during May and June while it's in bloom to keep from losing the colorful blossoms before they die a natural death. Perform a hard prune every two to three years to control growth, rejuvenate vinca minor and encourage its best performance.

Does vinca stay green in winter?

The leaves on this perennial vinca vine retain their green color through out the winter. Perennial vinca (called vinca major and minor) are trailing evergreen vines. They don't climb like ivy, but spread low across the ground.

Is creeping myrtle poisonous to touch?

Myrtle spurge toxicity results in nausea and vomiting. But just touching the sap is also unpleasant, since it can cause skin and eye irritation.

What's the difference between myrtle and periwinkle?

As nouns the difference between myrtle and periwinkle

is that myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus myrtus , native to southern europe and north africa while periwinkle is any of several evergreen plants of the genus vinca with blue or white flowers or periwinkle can be a mollusk of genus (taxlink).

Is creeping myrtle vinca?

Vinca, also known as creeping myrtle or periwinkle, is a popular ground cover for partial to full shade.