Re: Invasive groundcover/vinca minor, AKA periwinkle

I agree, Bill, that's why I didn't suggest Vinca minor.  It will spread,
but does not get thick enough to stop ground ivy.  V. major isn't as hardy,
if something hardy is needed, although much more rampant.  Doesn't stop
ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea or Nepeta hederacea, AKA creeping Charlie or
Gill-over-the-ground), but sorta hides it - at least V. major variegata
does .

Both of these do better with a little moisture in hot areas - although they
will tolerate the kind of dry soil you get under trees, at least for me.  

Actually, nothing short of a bulldozer will actually *stop* ground ivy (and
I'm not real sure about that), but some things do give it a run for its
money.  Best to clean the soil as thoroughly as possible and then mulch and
plant something tough, at least IMHO.  Of course, it is a pretty plant, and
I have read of it actually being used as a ground cover.  I've even seen it
for sale - perish the thought.  There is supposed to be a white variegated
leaf variety out there - I have seen it for sale in some catalog.  But,
although I'm a nut for white variegation, I think that's one species I'll
pass on.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Blee811 <Blee811@aol.com>
> Date: Monday, April 27, 1998 9:51 AM
> 
> If I remember the original request correctly, the question about an
invasive
> groundcover had to do with the need to smother out the weeds, especially
> ground ivy.  I battled ground ivy for many many years in a bed of vinca
minor
> and never really won the war.  Vinca does not increase fast enough to get
> ahead of the ground ivy, which by the way we call Creeping Charley
locally.  I
> have never grown vinca major, but I am told it is much more aggressive
and
> invasive, so you might want to try that.
> 
> Bill Lee
> Zone 6A outside Cincinnati
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