Creeping Myrtle

Creeping myrtle grows best in evenly moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 8, although it will adapt to average soil. It prefers partial shade but will grow in full shade and makes a good ground cover beneath shade trees. Full sun will reduce its vigor and may turn its leaves yellow.

Can you root creeping myrtle?

Crape myrtle is easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season. June, July and August are excellent times to root cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth of the season, leaving three to four nodes per cutting and several leaves.

Are myrtle and periwinkle the same?

Vinca minor, more likely to be known as periwinkle, creeping myrtle or just myrtle is a commonly used trailing, mat-forming evergreen ground cover. This plant is not only grown for its attractive shiny foliage, but the common name perfectly describes the pretty bloom color.

How do I control myrtle?

Spray the area where myrtle is growing with the glyphosate. Apply the glyphosate to the tops and bottoms of the myrtle leaves and vine. Monitor the vine for dieback over the next week. Apply more glyphosate to the myrtle as needed for control.

Does creeping myrtle bloom all summer?

Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety. You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well. “Why?” you might ask.

Is creeping myrtle toxic to dogs?

Also known as common periwinkle, creeping myrtle (Vinca minor) is a sprawling evergreen vine that is grown in the United States as a flowering ground cover. Not surprisingly for a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), creeping myrtle is toxic to dogs. Creeping myrtle is also poisonous to humans, cats and horses.

How quickly does creeping myrtle grow?

Growth Rate This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

How far apart should you plant creeping myrtle?

1. Creeping Myrtle, Vinca minor, goes by many names; Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle or even Dwarf Myrtle.
2. Plant in average, well-drained soil. ...
3. Plant 8 inches apart for smaller spaces and up to 18 inches for large areas.

Is myrtle A good ground cover?

Myrtle (Vinca spp.) is among the hardiest of evergreen ground covers, hardy to Zone 4 and growing as far north as Canada.

How do I get rid of creeping myrtle?

The best way to get rid of it is to hand pull as much of it as you can, making sure to remove as much of the roots as you can. Once this is done, then you can treat the area with an herbicide (though be careful not to get it on any plants you want to keep).

Is creeping myrtle drought tolerant?

Planting Crape Myrtle They are extremely heat-tolerant and quite drought-tolerant once established. Plant them in full sun, amending the soil with soil conditioner to provide a moist and well drained situation that will allow for quick root expansion during the establishment period.

Is creeping myrtle evergreen?

Creeping myrtle is a fast-spreading, 4- to 8-inch-tall, evergreen ground cover with shiny green leaves borne in pairs on long, arching stems. Starlike, 1-inch-wide blue flowers bloom for one month in spring.

How do you stop myrtle from spreading?

Creeping myrtle is low maintenance, drought tolerant and, if left alone, will quickly spread to fill in any garden or lawn gaps. This can be a pain if you want to limit the plant to one area. Use concrete, plastic or metal barriers or hand weeding to prevent unwanted spreading.

Is creeping myrtle poisonous to touch?

Myrtle spurge is poisonous if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This plant exudes toxic, milky latex, which can cause severe skin and eye irritations. Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and shoes is highly recommended when in contact with Myrtle spurge, as all plant parts are con- sidered poisonous.

How do I trim myrtle ground cover?

Small or young plantings of flowering myrtle vine and those on steep slopes can be pruned with handheld pruning shears. Sterilize them with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading diseases from other plants and trim the plants down to 4 to 6 inches tall. Prune in the early spring before new growth emerges.

How often should I water creeping myrtle?

Water newly planted crape myrtles at least once a week if dormant and in cool weather, and up to five times a week if planted during hot weather or in very sandy soil. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants.

How much water does a creeping myrtle need?

Crape Myrtles need at least one inch of water per week, with more during especially hot and dry weather. Still, these plants are fairly drought resistant once they've matured. Though Crape Myrtles like a good and deep soaking, issues like poor drainage and overwatering can lead to problems.

Why is my myrtle ground cover dying?

Too much or too little water will cause the creeping myrtle's foliage to wilt, discolor, brown and fall from the plant. Excessive moisture increases the possibility of fungus, diseases and pests. Watering is only necessary during periods of excessive heat and dry conditions, when the top few inches of soil is dry.

Are crepe myrtles messy?

The Crepe Myrtle is a great addition to any yard. It is easy to care for, drought resistant, cold resistant and deer resistant. It is not a messy tree, provides shade, and is beautiful during all seasons of the year.

Do birds eat crepe myrtle berries?

Goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches, cardinals, and house and white-throated sparrows visit the trees continually from early December through late February to devour the abundant seed crop that crape myrtles provide.