multitude are embark on to look for alternatives to grass lawn , whether it ’s because they ’re easier to keep , unspoilt for the environment , or just more attractive . FromIrish moss lawnsto creeping thyme , there are good deal of interesting plants you could grow as a ground cover . One popular locoweed alternative is Vinca minor , also known as common periwinkle . It volunteer many welfare , but it is n’t a perfect plant life for everyone . How do you know if a Vinca minor lawn is right for you and your home ? We ’ll take the air you through all the professional and cons of growing Vinca venial as a groundcover so you may make the ripe alternative for yourself .
Pros of Vinca minor as ground cover
Vinca small fry put up several benefit as a ground back . It’slow maintenance and tolerates drought , sun , and shade . This is also a low - mature plant , which means you do n’t ask to worry about mowing it to keep the height down . It also grows quickly and vigorously , spreading to fulfil your total lawn . It will diffuse to fill in empty patch , helping repair damaged sections and permit you save on come .
Its vigorous growth also gives your lawn a thick , luxuriant appearing . This , partner off with the sleek , dark green leaves andbeautiful low or purple flowers , create it particularly attractive as a ground cover . During mid to recent natural spring , it grow so many blossom your lawn may look more gloomy than green ! It will occasionally bloom again during summertime and tumble , although these are usually small .
Cons of Vinca minor as ground cover
For all the benefits it provide , Vinca minor is n’t utter . The same vigorous emergence that make believe it a delectable lawn also makes it difficult to see to it . It has a leaning to spread into garden , neighbors ’ yards , or any other nearby blank . Unfortunately , Vinca minor is also not native to the U.S. It is native to Europe , and its disseminate habit and quick outgrowth rate mean it outcompetes aboriginal plants . It is invasive ; particularly in warm regions . Although it is less invasive in colder regions where miserable temperature may stunt its growth , this also foreclose it from develop quite as densely .
Vinca minor does have some problems withcommon garden pestsand fungal infection . The most coarse pests that bother Vinca small-scale are soft - incarnate insects like aphids , whitefly , and wanderer mites . you may operate these with insecticidal goop .
Alternatives to Vinca minor
If you want a beautiful , bloom ground cover that is n’t invasive , there are a few options you could choose from . idle gloomy phlox is the most similar visually , while sedum resemble a succulent . Turkey snarl frogfruitis a dear choice if you populate in the southwestern United States and require a ground cover that ’s kind of heat and drouth .
Does Vinca minor come back every year?
Replanting your entire lawn every year would for certain be irritating , but luckily , that is n’t an issue with Vinca tike . As an evergreen plant perennial , this plant will stay immature all year long and return year after year , as long as it lives . In colder regions , you may need to reseed your lawn to replace plants that were weaken or killed by frost or snow .
In warm or milder regions , you may not need to reseed your Vinca minor lawn for year unless a storm or heavy use damage it . Since it spreads by rootstock , you may be capable to simply remove the damaged portion and allow the plant to distribute back into the region , although this will take some fourth dimension . When keep an eye on the edge of your lawn to get it as it spreads out of your yard , you’re able to take the plant life growing outside your cubic yard and replant them in your yard to fill any gaps .
Now you know the pros and confidence game of using Vinca venial as a priming coat cover and can make up one’s mind for yourself if it ’s right for you . Vinca minor makes for a lush , beautiful lawn , but it can also spread out of dominance . fortuitously , there are some native alternatives you could grow if you prefer .
