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Periwinkle

Periwinkle
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Invasive Plant
Periwinkle
Vinca major
 

This spreading perennial ground cover to 50 cm was widely cultivated because of its dense green foliage and small blue flowers. It has spread and successfully established in moist and damp areas such as wet gullies and creek banks. It forms dense mats suppressing all other plants. A variegated form may also be invasive.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Although it does not produce seed in Australia, it spreads by runners and by fragments carried in water or in relocated soil.
  • The spread of this plant has been aided by gardeners who have spread cuttings into the bush.
 
 
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Other alternative suggestions are the Ajuga (

Ajuga reptans 'Caitlins Giant'

) and Prostrate Rosemary (

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

).

 

Alternative Plants

Convolvulus
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Convolvulus
Convolvulus sabatius
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

An attractive evergreen perennial with a spreading prostrate habit. Blue to violet funnel form flowers appear in late spring to autumn. This species is suitable as a ground cover or spill-over plant in rockeries and is also ideal for large containers or hanging baskets. Reaching a height of about 20 cm, it will spread to 2 m wide. Prefers a moist well-drained site and is frost tolerant.

Creeping Boobialla
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Creeping Boobialla
Myoporum parvifolium
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

This evergreen, hardy Australian native forms a dense, weed suppressing ground cover that will easily cover one square metre. This species thrives if grown in freely-drained soil and full-sun. The flowers are white or pink and occur from winter to summer. Sweet fleshy fruits provide food for native birds.

Happy Duo Hardenbergia, Native Sarsaparella
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Happy Duo Hardenbergia, Native Sarsaparella
Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Duo'
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

Hardenbergias are vigorous, popular and generally hardy Australian native plants that grow to about 1 m high by 1 m wide. This selected form has pea-shape purple and lavender-suffused white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. It can be used as a ground cover and will also climb on a support. It prefers an open sunny position and can tolerate light to moderate frosts.

 
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