Creeping Myrtle - Vinca Minor

It is ideal for areas that have open spaces. This is a plant that is great for yards where other flowers won’t grow. Fast growing, this plant will take root and spread over the area in no time. It has a lavender flower that contrasts well against the dark green leaves. The flower blooms in the spring and summer, making it a wonderful plant to blend with daisies and daffodils. There is little care involved with this plant. Simply water it every few days, and make sure you keep the undergrowth cut out so that it looks healthy. 

Creeping myrtle is also known as dwarf periwinkle and lesser periwinkle. Its other names include small periwinkle and common periwinkle. 

It is often used as ground cover and does not grow very high, or climb, although it can bunch together in places to reach over twelve inches in height. It is native to southern Europe, but can be found in the Netherlands, Portugal, France, and across North America. Creeping myrtle is easily distinguished by its purple, five-petal flower and waxy leaves. The fruit are two follicles approximately one-inch long. Each follicle produces over a dozen seeds.

 In North America it is considered an invasive species, but it can be removed by uprooting during spring. It is considered difficult to remove, and requires persistent cutting and chemical treatments. If removal is desired, it is suggested the plant be completely dug up where possible.