10 Cheerful Reasons to Love Growing Creeping Myrtle: An Evergreen Groundcover That Works Wonders

If you’re dreaming of a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover that fills in tough spots and looks great doing it, look no further than creeping myrtle. Also known as Vinca minor or periwinkle, this hardy, versatile plant is perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. In this long-form guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned from hands-on experience with growing creeping myrtle. Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding an existing patch, this plant will win your heart.

What Makes Growing Creeping Myrtle So Rewarding?

Growing creeping myrtle has quickly become one of my favorite gardening projects. Its glossy green leaves, charming purple-blue blooms, and ability to thrive in difficult conditions make it ideal for everything from erosion control to backyard beautification.

But what really makes it shine? It spreads easily, resists deer and rabbits, and asks for very little in return. For busy or beginner gardeners, it’s a dream.

My personal love for this plant started with a few cuttings from my mom’s yard. (Yes, I may have “borrowed” them.) Today, I’m slowly filling a 1,000-square-foot area with it—20 feet down, 980 to go!

Easy Propagation Techniques: My Real-Life Experience

I’ve tried two methods of propagation when growing creeping myrtle, and both work—with different trade-offs.

Water-Rooted Cuttings

I snip the stem just below a leaf node and place it in water until roots appear. Then I transplant it into the ground. It works great, but it’s time-intensive if you’re trying to cover a big area.

Direct Soil Propagation

This is my go-to method: bury several fresh cuttings in damp soil and keep it moist. You’ll get about 50% success—maybe more if you’re good at watering consistently (I’m working on it!). It’s quick and low-effort.

Caring for Your Creeping Myrtle Groundcover

Watering

After planting, water regularly for the first few weeks. Once established, this plant is impressively drought-tolerant. During dry spells, a little water goes a long way.

Fertilizing

A light, slow-release fertilizer in early spring helps encourage strong growth. No need to overdo it—this plant thrives with minimal feeding.

Pruning & Containment

Creeping myrtle spreads rapidly, so trim back runners as needed to keep it tidy. Cut back damaged or dead foliage in early spring to promote new growth.

Use edging or physical barriers if you want to keep it contained to a certain space.

Preventing and Managing Common Issues

While growing creeping myrtle is generally easy, a few challenges can pop up:

• Leaf Spot or Root Rot: Usually caused by soggy soil. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.

• Overgrowth: Vinca minor is a vigorous spreader. Prune regularly to prevent it from overtaking other plants.

• Competition: Avoid planting near delicate flowers or slow growers, as creeping myrtle may crowd them out.

Beautiful Ways to Use Creeping Myrtle in Your Garden

This evergreen groundcover is as functional as it is beautiful. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:

• Groundcover Beneath Trees: Where grass won’t grow, myrtle thrives.
• Erosion Control: Use it on slopes or banks to hold soil in place.
• Border Planting: Frame your flower beds or walkways with lush greenery.
• Containers & Baskets: Let it spill over the sides for a soft, cascading effect.

No matter how you use it, growing creeping myrtle adds texture, color, and year-round charm.

Final Thoughts: Why I Keep Coming Back to Creeping Myrtle

There are so many plants out there, but few deliver as much beauty and function with so little effort. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth starting or expanding your patch, take it from me: it absolutely is.

Whether you need to cover shady ground, prevent erosion, or just add some lovely greenery, growing creeping myrtle is a cheerful, rewarding gardening project that keeps on giving.

Let your garden do the work while you enjoy the results.

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