Ralph Shugert Periwinkle

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 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.