How to Prune a Myrtle Vine

The myrtle vine, also known as Vinca minor, periwinkle or creeping myrtle, is an evergreen perennial ground-cover vine. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 8, and does best in full sun. The plant produces long, trailing green vines with spring flowers in blue-purple, white or red. It grows quickly, and may overrun its boundaries if you do not properly prune the vine. Wait until early spring to prune myrtle. The plant will still be dormant, but will not be in danger of frost damage.

Things You'll Need

• Rotary lawn mower
• Pruning shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Set a rotary lawn mower to a height of 4 to 6 inches. This will cut the vines back to a controllable size, while encouraging new growth.

   • 2

     Pass over the myrtle vines with the lawn mower. Continue mowing the vines until you have cut back all the existing vines, exposing any damaged or diseased stems.

   • 3

     Use gardening shears to remove any damaged, diseased or insect-infested stems. Cut them all the way back to the main branch.

   • 4

     Cut the vining stems back, if they are growing outside their bounds. Use the shears to cut the vines back to the desired length.