Question
Hi Tom,

I love the look of Asian jasmine, but unfortunately I can't grow it because the deer in my neighborhood eat it like candy.  
I'm looking for a ground cover that forms a nice heavy mat like jasmine. I found purple wintercreeper online- and was excited to see that it seems to look similar to jasmine but with the added benefit of color in the winter- but I'm not sure because I can't tell much from the small pictures I saw. Do you know if purple wintercreeper does actually grows and looks like jasmine? - I live in zone 9 and want a clean, manicured ground cover vine under my magnolia tree that lives full sun and is often visited by deer. I don't care for ivy. Thank you in advance for your help!

PS - Does purple wintercreeper ground stay hardy looking in the winter months?

Answer
Hi Susan,
Thanx for your question.  Purple wintercreeper is a type of euonymous.  I suppose the foliage might resemble jasmine somewhat but the thing about jasmine is its intoxicating scent which purple wintercreeper does not have.  The wintercreeper does have a decorative blue or purple berry in the winter but the flowers are small, white, insignificant things.  Have you considered periwinkle or creeping myrtle (Vinca minor).  This plant looks great underneath trees with its evergreen, glossy leaves, pretty light purple to blue flowers (there is a white variety too) in the spring.  It is hardy to zone 9.  It can be invasive but usually is well controlled if you keep an eye on it.  Many ground covers can be invasive if not properly controlled.  Purple wintercreeper will remain evergreen in mild climates like yours.  So will creeping myrtle/periwinkle.  I hope this helps.
Tom