How to Plant Myrtle Ground Cover
Tip
Plant myrtle ground cover in spring if you live in a region that experiences cold winter weather.
Leave a space of 8 inches between each plant.
Pull weeds from around the plants as necessary.
Myrtle ground cover is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 8.
Warning
Myrtle ground cover will take over large areas of the garden if allowed to grow unchecked.
Myrtle ground cover (Vinca minor), also called periwinkle, is an evergreen plant with small, star-shaped flowers that develop in spring. The plants display blossoms in purple, white or blue and grow approximately 6 inches tall, spreading quickly from long shoots. 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.
Loosen the soil at the planting location to a depth of 6 inches, using a garden fork or tiller. Dispose of all large rocks and clumps of vegetation.
Amend the loosened soil with a 1-inch layer of peat moss and 5-10-5 fertilizer, applied at the rate recommended on the package.
Dig a hole that is the same depth and 2 to 3 inches wider than the plant's root system. Place the plant's roots into the soil at the same level they were previously growing. Return the loosened soil and pat it down to remove air pockets.
Water until the soil feels moist. Add a 1- to 2-inch layer of pine needles around the plants.
Water during the first growing season whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil no longer feels moist. Water only during dry weather once the plants' roots are established.
