Vinca Minor

It is easy to grow and has few natural diseases or pests. It's not too picky about the soil it's in, but will do best with well-drained, moist soil. Its ease of cultivation and tendency to spread make it popular as a low-maintenance groundcover. Just remember that it's also difficult to get rid of. It will usually require cutting and application of chemicals to its roots to stop it from coming back.

Vinca Minor is also known as Periwinkle, Myrtle and Creeping Myrtle. It was given the Latin name of Vinca, meaning to wind around, because its stems were used in wreath making. Minor is in reference to its leaves, which are smaller than that of its cousin, Vinca Major.

It is native to southern and central Europe. Its original range extends from the Netherlands in the north, to Portugal in the south, and east to Turkey. Today, it is cultivated in many parts of the world. In the US, it is classified as being hardy in zones 3 through 8, and sometimes even further north.

This ground cover plant is best known for its lush, green foliage and flowers that bloom during the spring and summer. The color depends upon the variety but can include blue, white and pink. The USDA hardiness zones advised for this plant is 4 to 9 and grows best in well-drained soils. When planted 4 to 6 inches apart, this plant will form a thick ground cover and be approximately 4 to 6 feet off the ground when fully mature.