How to Grow Creeping Myrtle

If you have a shaded spot in your yard where nothing grows, try planting creeping myrtle. In fact, if you have any spot that you would like a groundcover for, creeping myrtle is one of the best. This evergreen carpeting plant flourishes just about anywhere, in all light and soil conditions. It grows 4 to 6 inches tall and produces dense green leaves with little blue star-like flowers. Vigorous growers, one creeping myrtle plant can eventually cover 6 feet. It is suitable for USDA zones 4 to 9.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Organic matter (optional)
• Creeping Myrtle roots
• Water
• Complete plant food
• Pruning shears or garden spade
• Wire (optional)
• Wire cutters (optional)

1. Select the site to plant the creeping myrtle. It grows in full sun to shade and tolerates any type of soil. Some varieties bloom more prolifically with greater sunlight.

2. Till up the soil and, if you like, add some organic matter to enrich it. Dig a hole that is deeper than the creeping myrtle root. Put the root in the hole and, while holding it upright, add soil to cover it. Tamp it down gently to remove air bubbles. Space the rest of the creeping myrtle 6 to 12 inches apart. Water to settle the soil.

3. Water the creeping myrtle regularly until it is established and then give it periodic waterings. When the flowers to appear in the spring, apply a complete plant food. It has no specific problems.

4. Prune the creeping myrtle to control its shape and spread. Use pruning shears or a spade if necessary and be as ruthless as you like.

5. Layer creeping myrtle in the summer if you would like to produce more plants. Bend a stem to the ground and hold it in place with a length of wire bent in half and cover with a mound of soil. Cut off the new plant when roots have formed. This can take several months. However, be sure you want to do this; once a bed with creeping myrtle is established, it is not necessary to add more.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the guarantee and return policies of the nursery, gardening center, catalog or garden website you buy plants. Some have a one year guarantee and require that you have the receipt, shipping invoice or shipping label. Michigan Bulb guarantees their plants for life and will either replace the plants or refund your money as long as you are gardening.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish