Ground Covers
Myrtle
Myrtle - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information
Botanical name - Periwinkle or Vinca.
Flowering period - Small, light blue flowers in spring.
Features - Leaves broadly lance shaped, 2 inches (5 cm) long, dark green. Rooting stems thin and wiry.
Spacing - Space 6" to 12" apart (15 - 30 cm).
Height - Grows to 10" tall (25 cm).
Soil and water - Grows in any garden soil. Water ground covers in dry weather once per week. On steep hills, build ridges to keep water from running down hill too fast. Water thoroughly less often versus short waterings more frequently.
Light requirements - Grows in full sun to full shade. Best in shady places.
Best use - Trailing hardy, evergreen groundcover. Good on slopes.
Growing tips - Mulch between plants after initial planting. This helps control weeds and provides a natural slow release fertilizer. Use lawn fertilize in early spring.
Select a ground cover flower
Click on a ground cover from the list below to see a photo and find lots of growing and plant care tips.
Benefits of ground covers
Just think of all the wonderful benefits of growing ground covers... your bulbs will pop up through them, they provide wonderful green texture for bare patches, they grow where grass won't grow and no more mowing steep slopes. Plus ground covers are attractive and easy to maintain.
Planning your garden
For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan
• Choose plants suitable for the site (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)
• Arrange plants according to their height
• Arrange according to plant form and texture
• Arrange according to flowering periods for constant blooming
• Arrange in groupings by type and color considerations
