Ralph Shugert Periwinkle

Ralph Shugert Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert')

Ralph Shugert Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert') is a standout variegated selection of common periwinkle, also known as Variegated Vinca. This evergreen groundcover features striking green leaves edged in creamy white, paired with violet-blue flowers for a combination of bold texture and color in shaded garden spaces.

Distinctive Features

This variety spreads to form a dense mat just 4 to 6 inches tall, making it ideal for covering ground beneath trees or shrubs. Its foliage remains evergreen through winter in most climates, providing consistent visual interest. In spring and intermittently throughout summer, it blooms with soft blue-violet flowers that contrast beautifully with its white-margined foliage. Its trailing stems root easily, quickly filling in open spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained soils; adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point groundcover in shaded borders or beds
• Underplanting for trees or large shrubs
• Ornamental erosion control on shaded slopes
• Mass plantings where visual texture is desired
• Foundation plantings in low-light areas

Low Maintenance Care

• Trim back in early spring to encourage fresh growth
• Water regularly during the first season, then only during extended dry spells
• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and deter weeds
• Divide or thin as needed to control spread or rejuvenate older areas
• Rarely affected by pests or diseases

Why Choose Ralph Shugert Periwinkle

• Bright variegated foliage offers year-round ornamental appeal
• Low-growing, dense habit suppresses weeds naturally
• Reliable flowering adds spring color in shaded spaces
• Tolerates poor soils and challenging light conditions
• An eye-catching focal point groundcover for shaded landscapes

Ralph Shugert Periwinkle brings crisp, variegated foliage and soft blue blooms to shaded gardens, offering year-round texture and a dependable focal point for tough-to-fill areas.