Shade Groundcovers: Vinca, Pachysandra, Asian Jasmine

Reader Asks About Vinca Minor & Pachysandra

Wants to know what they are, where to buy, seed vs. plants, planting method, spread rate.

I've never grown Vinca or Pachysandra. My shade groundcover is Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum). But here's general guidance:

Buy plants, not seed: Faster coverage, higher survival. 2-inch or 4-inch pots.
Source matters: Independent nurseries > big box stores. Better root systems, fewer losses.
Spacing: 6–12 inches apart for full coverage in 1–2 seasons.
Planting: Loosen soil, add compost, plant at same depth, water in, mulch.

Vinca: Evergreen vine, blue flowers spring. Spreads by runners. Can be invasive in some regions. Buy plants.
Pachysandra: Evergreen, white bottlebrush flowers. Slow to establish, then dense. Prefers acid soil. Buy plants.
Both sold at nurseries in flats or pots. Not typically seeded.

Amend planting area with compost + alfalfa meal + lava sand. Water deeply weekly first year. Once established, they're drought-tough.

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