Deer-Resistant Ground Covers: Wintercreeper vs. Periwinkle for Zone 9

A Zone 9 gardener wanted a deer-resistant, mat-forming ground cover under a magnolia in full sun, similar to Asian jasmine but with winter color. She considered purple wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus') but wasn't sure about appearance or winter performance.

Purple Wintercreeper Reality Check

• Foliage: Glossy, oval leaves (1–2") turn deep purple-bronze in cold weather—attractive winter color.
• Flowers: Inconspicuous, greenish-white, early summer. No fragrance.
• Berries: Small, pinkish capsules splitting to reveal orange seeds—ornamental but not showy.
• Growth habit: Vining/climbing if supported; forms a dense mat (6–12" tall) on ground. Can climb trees/structures.
• Deer resistance: Moderate. Deer may browse in heavy pressure.
• Invasiveness: High. Listed invasive in many eastern/midwestern states. Spreads by rooting stems and bird-dispersed seeds.

Better Choice: Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy, dark green. Some cultivars have variegated leaves.
• Flowers: Showy, 1" pinwheel blooms in lavender-blue (also white, purple cultivars). Spring bloom, sporadic rebloom.
• Habit: Dense, trailing mat 4–6" tall. Stays low, doesn't climb.
• Deer resistance: High—rarely browsed.
• Sun tolerance: Full sun to deep shade (blooms best with some sun).
• Zone 9 performance: Evergreen, reliable.
• Caution: Can be invasive in shady, moist woods. In sunny, managed beds, easily controlled by edging.

Other Deer-Resistant Ground Covers for Zone 9 Sun

• Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Fragrant, tiny pink/purple flowers, walkable.
• Sedum 'Angelina' or 'Blue Spruce': Succulent, colorful foliage, yellow flowers.
• Liriope muscari: Grass-like, purple spikes, very tough.
• Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis): Lavender flowers, spreading, heat-loving.

For a clean, manicured mat under magnolia with winter interest and deer resistance, Vinca minor is the top pick. Edge beds annually to contain it.