Myrtle

Vinca Minor

Growth, Simplicity

Myrtle (Vinca Minor), a flowering ground cover, is also known as Creeping Myrtle, Common Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Periwinkle flower. This perennial has blue flowers in the spring and summer that are most often blue and can also be purple or white. The color name periwinkle is from this flower color. Myrtle does well in part shade to sun and likes well drained soil. The vines have smooth, evergreen leaves and spread quickly.  The plant grows up to 6 inches in height and the vines can be up to 1.5 feet long.  It is frequently used as a ground cover and on slopes to prevent erosion.  

These plants native to Europe and are deer and rabbit resistant.

 

Two plants are similar, Vinca major, which thrives in warm regions and has larger leaves, and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus ). Madagascar periwinkle has similar flowers, but is also a tropical flower and is grown in full sun.  Flower color can be hot-pink, lavender, lilac, pink, red or white.

Myrtle, grown as a ground cover, shows us how something relatively small can have a big impact. It reminds us to be kind with our words since the impact of something spoken can be received in a deeper way than we may intend.

Myrtle also shows us the strength in spreading our wings and letting ourselves grow.  Once we open the door to something meaningful, we may find many offshoots to the original action, magnifying and spreading beyond what was expected.  

This plant also emphasizes the profound beauty in simplicity and it teaches us to examine the path in front of us and our surroundings.  We may not need as much detail or ornamentation as we think to accomplish a goal or to be content in our homes.   

Similarly, by growing close to the ground, Myrtle teaches us the value of keeping thoughts close to the chest.  Better to focus energy on accomplishing goals than to focus energy on discussing them. Once goals are accomplished, others will notice.