![]() ![]() ![]() Luckily, there are some native alternatives you can grow if you prefer. Vinca minor makes for a lush, beautiful lawn, but it can also spread out of control. Now you know the pros and cons of using Vinca minor as a ground cover and can decide for yourself if it’s right for you. Turkey tangle frogfruit is a good option if you live in the Southwest and need a ground cover that’s tolerant of heat and drought. Wild blue phlox is the most similar visually, while sedum resembles a succulent. If you want a beautiful, flowering ground cover that isn’t invasive, there are a few options you can choose from. Pixabay/Anuta1988 Alternatives to Vinca minor You can control these with insecticidal soap. The most common pests that bother Vinca minor are soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Vinca minor does have some problems with common garden pests and fungal infections. Although it is less invasive in colder regions where low temperatures may stunt its growth, this also prevents it from growing quite as densely.Ĭan you grow a bird of paradise from a cutting? Here’s what you need to know to grow your dream plantĦ plants you should cut back to keep your garden thriving this fallĬan you use garlic as a pesticide? What you need to know It is invasive particularly in warmer regions. It is native to Europe, and its spreading habit and quick growth rate mean it outcompetes native plants. Unfortunately, Vinca minor is also not native to the U.S. ![]() It has a tendency to spread into gardens, neighbors’ yards, or any other nearby spaces. Adds elegance to mixed beds or pots when allowed to trail over the edges. Perfect for filling between stepping stones, as it will tolerate light foot traffic and has a wonderful fragrance when leaves are crushed. The same vigorous growth that makes it a luscious lawn also makes it difficult to control. This creeping perennial herb makes a beautiful ground cover with deep, lavender-red blooms. Pixabay/Anuta1988 Cons of using Vinca minorįor all the benefits it provides, Vinca minor isn’t perfect. During mid to late spring, it produces so many flowers your lawn may look more blue than green! It will occasionally bloom again during summer and fall, although these are usually smaller. This, coupled with the sleek, dark green leaves and beautiful blue or purple flowers, makes it particularly attractive as a ground cover. The following link has a lot of wonderful tips and suggestions for a creeping thyme lawn: The advice is for a gardener in Colorado, but in particular the information on site preparation and establishment applies to us here in Iowa.Its vigorous growth also gives your lawn a thick, lush appearance. With this much lead time, most local garden centers should have no problem sourcing and ordering plants/plugs for you in the spring if they are willing to do special orders. I would recommend looking for plugs from an online supplier or asking your local garden center to source them for you. July is too late in the season to successfully start this lawn alternative from seed. Seed is not typically as successful as planting plugs, but if you wanted to start from seed, it should be sown in early May. It will likely take several years for the entire planting to fill in. They are planted on 8" to 18" centers - the closer you plant them together, the sooner the lawn will fill in. Compost and other organic matter can be integrated into the soil to improve drainage and loosen the heavy clay.Ĭreeping thyme is best established by plants or plugs (small rooted plants) in the spring. Many typical lawn situations in Iowa will have heavy or poorly drained soils. Creeping thyme, Herbaceous, Pink, red, white, June-July, Low growing. Plants do not do well in heavy clay or poorly drained soils. Yellow, May-Jun, Finely-cut, silvery-white foliage, Plant Select 2010. Thyme is a good lawn alternative, but here are a few things to keep in mind.Ĭreeping thyme will need full sun to do well.Ĭreeping thyme needs excellent drainage. ![]()
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