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In this country, one of the most popular, widely used landscape plants is myrtle ground cover. It is also known as Vinca and Periwinkle. Myrtle ground cover is divided into two major types, Vinca Major (Big leaf Periwinkle) and Vinca Minor (Small Leaf Periwinkle) with a variety of subspecies. The two types have similar properties, but different uses.
Vinca Major is an evergreen perennial vine with dark green leaves. There are also commonly cultivated species that feature variegated foliage. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained, moist soil, but can thrive in most soil conditions. Vinca major grows to a height of 8”-12” with bluish-purple flowers in early spring. The plant spreads by sending out runners that then take root where they touch the ground. It spreads quickly, but with an open, loose pattern. Vinca Major will allow spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils to grow up through its foliage.
Vinca Minor, on the other hand, is a much denser form of Myrtle ground cover. It, also, is an evergreen perennial with green or variegated foliage. At only 6” tall at maturity, Vinca Minor’s foliage and flowers are both smaller than that of its big sister. Vinca Minor also prefers medium to full shade, unlike the sun loving Vinca Major, and is far more tolerant of cold temperatures. It forms a medium dense mat or mound of foliage
Both varieties of myrtle ground cover are low maintenance, deer and drought resistant. As suggested earlier, use Vinca Major in flower beds in conjunction with spring bulbs. The mat pattern of Vinca Major is loose enough that other plants can easily rise through the foliage. However, for that very reason, Vinca Major is less successful as a weed suppressant. Vinca Minor is an excellent choice for weed suppression. Both types also work well on slopes for erosion prevention. Both Vinca Major and Minor can also become invasive unless controlled. Control the spread by edging your ground cover area once or twice per season to ensure the runners do not infiltrate adjacent areas.
Whether you prefer the name Vinca or Periwinkle, the myrtle ground cover is a low maintenance, handy, all-purpose landscaping plant. Use it to control soil erosion, cover hard to plant areas, or provide a flow and continuity to your landscape plans. Vinca Major is the sunny version, will Vinca Minor prefers shade. Between the two, they’ll cover all your landscaping needs.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
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