Myrtle in the Garden

A view of a terrific ground cover....Vinca minor.  It also is known as Myrtle or Periwinkle.  Vinca minor vines sprawl out over the ground.  They typically stand only 3" to 6" on height, but their trailing stems can reach 18" in length.  The stems of these jointed plants root at the nodes as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to form an attractive ground cover.  Vinca minor requires good drainage and a rich organic topsoil is preferable.  Plant in shade, part shade as well as full sun if irrigation is available.  Vinca minor are relatively drought tolerant once they are established.  Many cultivars exist with varying sized foliage, variegated leaves and an assortment of flower colors primarily in the blues, lavender and white range .  The two photos shown here are the generic Vinca minor.  I use this ground cover in many of my planting designs.  I like the fact that it stays low, flowers in the spring and is evergreen.  I use it to visually simplify and tie my planting beds together.  These garden design projects are located in Warwick, New York
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