Creeping Myrtle, scientifically known as Vinca minor, is a highly favored evergreen perennial ground cover, popular for its rapid spread and year-year-round visual appeal. This plant is known for its glossy, dark green foliage that forms a dense, low-growing mat, typically reaching a height of only three to six inches. In the springtime, this green carpet is accented by charming, star-shaped flowers, most commonly in shades of lavender-blue. Its vigorous, trailing stems root easily wherever they touch the soil, allowing it to quickly fill in bare patches and stabilize slopes. This article offers a clear guide to successfully planting this low-maintenance ground cover, ensuring a lush and thriving landscape.
Preparing the Planting Area
Selecting the appropriate location is the first step toward a successful planting of Creeping Myrtle. It prospers in dappled sunlight or partial shade, though it can tolerate a range from full sun to deep shade. The plant prefers well-draining soil, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, but can grow in various soil types including loamy, sandy, or clay soils.
Before planting, clear the entire area of existing weeds, grass, and debris. Vinca minor struggles to compete against established growth during its initial establishment phase, so removing all perennial weeds is necessary. Prepare the soil by loosening the topsoil to a depth of about six inches.
Amending the soil is beneficial, especially in areas with poor drainage or nutrient-deficient soil. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will improve soil structure and drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions that Vinca minor dislikes. You may also consider incorporating a one-inch layer of peat moss or compost and a balanced fertilizer into the top six inches of soil to give the young plants a good nutritional start.
The Planting Procedure
When sourcing the plants, look for healthy specimens, which are most commonly available as potted plants or small plugs. The best time to plant is generally in the spring or early fall when mild temperatures and consistent rainfall aid in root establishment. To achieve a dense, carpet-like effect quickly, space the young plants or divisions approximately 6 to 12 inches apart.
For each plant, dig a hole that is only as deep as the root ball but slightly wider. Before placing the plant into the hole, gently tease apart or loosen any tightly bound roots. This process encourages them to grow outward into the surrounding soil. Place the plant into the prepared hole, making sure that the top of the root ball, or the plant’s crown, is level with the surrounding soil surface.
Backfill the hole with the prepared soil mixture, gently firming the soil around the base of the plant to remove any large air pockets. Proper placement ensures the crown does not sit below the surface, which could lead to moisture pooling and stem rot. Once all the plants are in the ground, they should be thoroughly soaked with water to help settle the soil and fully hydrate the roots.
Post-Planting Care for Establishment
The first few weeks after planting are crucial for the establishment of Creeping Myrtle, requiring consistent moisture to encourage new root growth. Immediately after planting, a deep, generous watering is needed to settle the soil around the roots. For the first four to six weeks, the plants require frequent watering, potentially every few days, to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
A helpful technique is to create a small, shallow well or saucer around each individual plant during planting. This acts as a reservoir to guide water directly to the root zone, ensuring adequate moisture during this establishment period. Over the subsequent weeks, gradually reduce the watering frequency to encourage the development of a deeper, more robust root system.
Applying a light layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine needles, benefits the newly planted area by retaining soil moisture and suppressing competing weed growth. Keep the mulch layer away from the plant crowns to prevent moisture retention directly against the stems, which can lead to fungal issues. Monitor the plants for signs of stress, such as wilting, and maintain consistent soil moisture until the vigorous trailing stems begin to spread and root into the surrounding soil.