- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 6 Inches
- Mature Spread 4 - 6 Inches
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Vinca minor Ralph Shugert is an elegant variegated form of periwinkle that looks fabulous all year long. This groundcover has glossy, dark green leaves with creamy white margins. It features masses of violet-blue flowers in spring that appear on and off until fall. Periwinkle is native to Europe, and this cultivar is likely a hybrid between Vinca minor and Vinca major. Its stems root easily into the ground, establishing a thick mat for suppressing weeds. Based on its beauty and durability, the Royal Horticultural Society selected Ralph Shugert for an Award of Garden Merit.
Ralph Shugert is evergreen and quite cold hardy down to zone 4. It spreads by runners to form a low groundcover, only 4 - 6 inches high. It tolerates dry, shady sites once its roots have established. It has no significant pests or diseases and is not bothered by deer or rabbits. It is excellent for underplanting shrubs and trees, trailing down a slope or stone wall, or for tucking into container combinations as the ‘spiller’.
Ralph Shugert Periwinkle Care
This periwinkle grows best in part to full shade. It can tolerate full sun in northern climates if it receives consistent moisture. It is not particular about soil texture or pH, but does require well-drained soil. Keep new plants well watered to establish a drought tolerant root system. New plants will also benefit from an application of compost to conserve moisture.
Ralph Shugert does not require pruning, outside of cleaning up any tattered branches. You can shear the entire plant down to the ground every few years to encourage fresh growth.
Ralph Shugert Periwinkle Spacing
For mass planting of Ralph Shugert, space each plant approximately 18 inches apart in staggered rows to form a solid carpet. When growing this periwinkle in a container, use a pot at least 16 inches in diameter.
Ralph Shugert Periwinkle Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Inches |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Spreading |
Flower Color(s): Blue |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Spring |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green, White |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Ralph Shugert Periwinkle |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: VINCA MINOR `RALPH SHUGERT` |
- SKU:
- 1002494-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.