Creeping Myrtle

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(3+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

4-6 Inches

Mature Spread

18 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Creeping Myrtle covers shaded ground with glossy evergreen foliage and lavender-blue flowers in spring. Vinca minor grows about 4 to 6 inches tall, spreading by trailing stems that root as they move across the soil. The leathery dark green leaves make a dense mat under trees, along slopes, and in places where lawn grass is difficult to maintain. We recommend using it only in managed beds where its spreading habit can be contained and checked regularly.

This European and Caucasus groundcover is also called common periwinkle, lesser periwinkle, dwarf myrtle, and running myrtle. The showy flowers usually appear from May into June, with occasional lighter rebloom possible later in the season. Creeping Myrtle is deer resistant, rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established, and useful for erosion control on shaded banks. Plant it in contained shade beds, under mature trees, along path edges, on slopes, and in difficult low groundcover areas where it is permitted and kept away from natural spaces.

Creeping Myrtle Care

Plant Creeping Myrtle in partial shade, dappled sunlight, or full shade, with more sun acceptable when soil moisture is steady. It grows in average, well-drained soil, in addition to clay, loam, sandy soil, and soil with high organic matter. Neutral to slightly acidic soil is ideal, though this plant is fairly adaptable when drainage and moisture are balanced.

Water regularly after planting so the stems root into the soil and begin covering the area. Established plants tolerate some dry soil, but growth is fuller with moderate moisture. Fertilizer is usually unnecessary, though a light compost topdressing in spring can help thin plantings fill in. Mulch between young plants to reduce weeds until the foliage forms coverage.

Trim Creeping Myrtle after spring bloom to shorten runners and keep edges clean. Shear lightly in early spring if older patches look thin or tangled, then rake out dead stems before fresh growth expands. Monitor nearby beds, lawn edges, and woodland borders, removing rooted stems that move beyond the intended planting area.

Creeping Myrtle Spacing

Space Creeping Myrtle 8 to 12 inches apart for faster coverage in small areas or erosion-control plantings. Use 12 to 18 inches between plants for larger areas where a slower fill is acceptable. For containers, choose a pot or window box at least 10 to 12 inches wide with drainage holes, and trim trailing stems before they root into nearby beds.

In shaded beds, grow Creeping Myrtle beneath hostas and bleeding heart, so that broader foliage and arching spring flowers rise above the low evergreen carpet. Lungwort can share the same cool, moist setting, adding spotted leaves and early flowers before the myrtle reaches peak bloom. In containers, use wishbone flowers above the trailing myrtle for seasonal color in bright shade.

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