Periwinkle’s flowers are a lovely shade of See more pictures of perennials. The charming periwinkle, also called myrtle, has a long history. Originally a native of southern Europe, plants were brought over by the colonists, and now it has naturalized over much of the Northeast.
Also to know is, is Myrtle A good ground cover?
Myrtle ground cover does best when planted in early spring or fall so that the roots have a chance to become established before extreme temperatures arrive. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and will thrive in almost any soil.
Likewise, how do I care for Myrtle ground cover? 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. Full sun will reduce its vigor and may turn its leaves yellow.
Regarding this, how fast does 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 Myrtle the same as periwinkle?
Other vernacular names used in cultivation include small periwinkle, common periwinkle, and sometimes in the United States, myrtle or creeping myrtle.
14 Related Question Answers Found
Will periwinkle kill other plants?
It’s an aggressive ground cover that grows like crazy, yet it’s gentle enough to not kill other flowers in the garden. The trick here is only get flowers that are more then 6 inches tall, don’t plant seeds and expect them to grow with periwinkle in the way either.
Will periwinkle take over grass?
Growing Conditions Once established, the vines’ broad leaves shade blades of lawn grasses, especially those kept under 2 inches tall, as they form colonies across lawns. By shading and competing successfully for moisture, periwinkle strangles less drought- and shade-tolerant grasses.
Does Vinca kill other plants?
Although invasive, vinca minor is still sold as a common ornamental ground cover and is great for covering up unsightly objects- like tree stumps. Vinca minor, in most cases, will not choke out other plants growing in the area. They just fill in around them.
How far apart do you plant Myrtle ground cover?
Creeping Myrtle Spacing Plant 8 inches apart for smaller spaces and up to 18 inches for large areas.
Is creeping myrtle invasive?
➺ 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.
What should I plant with myrtle?
Good Companions Bulbous plants share the same love of well-drained, dry conditions and you could accentuate the vivid green leaves by under-planting myrtle with silver-leaved forms of spring-flowering cyclamen, Cyclamen coum Pewter Group or Silver Group. Species tulips and white muscari also work well.
How fast does periwinkle spread?
Periwinkle grows 3 to 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide. Space plants at least 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant out periwinkle in spring or early fall. Water the soil deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first 6 to 10 weeks, as the roots become established.
How do you keep Vinca from spreading?
Put all soil, dead plants, cuttings and clippings directly into the garbage to prevent spreading. Parts of the plant may regenerate and spread to other areas of your yard. Remove any flowers you see by pinching them off or clipping them off with shears. This helps prevent periwinkle from producing seeds.
Why is my Myrtle ground cover 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.
Can you mow vinca?
Periwinkles are considered invasive in some areas. You can also cut back vinca with a lawn mower set to cut at 4 inches high, but the vines have a tendency to wrap around the blades, meaning you have to stop, shut the mower down and clean the blades frequently.
Can you mow Myrtle?
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.
How do I trim Myrtle ground cover?
Remove dead, damaged and dying branches from the plant first. Always cut back to the node just before the damaged area. To perform a hard prune on vinca minor, cut all growth back to 4 to 6 inches from the ground by hand or use a lawnmower with a newly sharpened blade set on the highest setting.
How do I propagate Myrtle ground cover?
If planting outdoors, replant the rooting creeping myrtle in an area that gets partial to full sun. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep, and add 1 inch of compost to the bottom. Transplant the rooting divisions about 6 to 8 inches apart for a quick-growing ground cover or about 8 to 12 inches apart for an attractive border.
How does myrtle grow?
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. Soon new shoots will spread out and root into the spaces between the plants, spreading joy all over the ground.