Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugart'
a/k/a common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle
Zone: 4 to 9.
Sun to Shade. Prefers moderate to dense shade in southern zones and tolerates sun in northern zones.
Mature size: 6 inches height; fast spreading, vine-like growth.
Blue flowers on erect stems over narrow white variegation on lance shaped glossy green leaves. Evergreen trailing vine flowers in early spring, with sporadic flowering in summer and fall.
Easy-to-grow in any well-drained soil, but grow best in fertile, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Good low maintenance lawn alternative as it tolerates some foot traffic. Excellent for slopes or low-maintenance cover, especially in areas requiring erosion control. Mow in the fall for fresh foliage. Also a great plant for hanging containers or window boxes which allow the glossy foliage to cascade over the sides. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Vinca major and Vinca minor are nearly identical except for leaf shape and flower size. Vinca major has broader leaves with longer hairs on the petioles, larger flowers, and is less cold hardy. Both are low maintenance and often used for controlling soil erosion on shady slopes. |
