How to Grow Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy)
Wikimedia Commons
Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy)
Catharanthus roseus & Hedera spp.
ground coverGround covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to blanket soil, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion. Common varieties include Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), a flowering ground cover with glossy foliage, and English Ivy (Hedera helix), an evergreen vine ideal for shading difficult areas. These plants are valued for their ability to thrive in challenging locations and require minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy)
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Vinca thrives in zones 4-11; Ivy varies by species (English Ivy zones 4-9, Algerian Ivy zones 8-11)
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Get my Ground Covers (Vinca & Ivy) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop root systems and begin lateral growth; foliage is sparse but healthy
Water consistently, mulch around plants to retain moisture, protect from foot traffic
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsStems elongate and spread outward; leaves become denser and fuller
Continue regular watering, remove competing weeds, prune back leggy growth to encourage bushiness
Flowering (Vinca)
Continuous through warm monthsVinca produces pink, purple, or white flowers; Ivy remains foliage-focused
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; fertilize monthly during growing season
Coverage & Maturity
OngoingPlants fill in bare soil areas, forming dense mat; minimal gaps visible
Reduce watering frequency, prune to maintain shape, remove any dead or damaged growth
Winter Dormancy (where applicable)
3-4 monthsDeciduous varieties lose leaves; evergreens remain green but slow growth
No watering needed in cold climates; prune in early spring; protect tender varieties with mulch
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply insecticidal soap; quarantine heavily infested plants
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Prune affected stems; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; use insecticidal soap
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Spray with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdGround covers bind soil with root systems and prevent water runoff, making them ideal for slopes, hillsides, and areas prone to erosion. They reduce the need for mulch and create a living blanket. [source]
Weed Suppression
HouseholdDense ground cover foliage blocks sunlight from reaching soil, preventing weed germination and reducing maintenance labor. Once established, they significantly reduce weeding needs. [source]
Habitat & Ground Nesting Sites
WildlifeGround covers provide shelter and nesting sites for ground-dwelling insects, small mammals, and beneficial organisms. They create microhabitats that support biodiversity in landscapes. [source]
Vinca as Medicinal Plant
CulinaryCatharanthus roseus (Vinca) has been used in traditional medicine and has contributed alkaloids to cancer research. Some cultures use leaves in herbal teas, though caution is advised. [source]
Landscape & Aesthetic Design
CraftGround covers create visual interest with texture, color, and form. They soften hardscapes, define garden areas, and reduce mowing needs compared to grass lawns. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ground covers are primarily ornamental and not harvested like vegetables. Prune stems in spring and summer to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage density. Pinch back growing tips to promote lateral branching. For Vinca, deadhead flowers regularly to extend blooming. For Ivy, trim to prevent excessive spread or climbing where unwanted.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 English Ivy (Hedera helix) can live over 400 years and has been cultivated since ancient times; it's featured on the coats of arms of several UK universities.
- 🌱 Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) produces over 400 different alkaloid compounds, two of which—vincristine and vinblastine—are used to treat certain cancers and have saved thousands of lives.
- 🌱 Some ground covers like Ivy develop aerial rootlets that allow them to climb vertical surfaces without support, adapting their growth form based on available surfaces.
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