Vinca minor Ralph Shugart

Vinca minor Ralph Shugart

Why Buy Me?

• Low growing, spreading
• Great for under planting taller plants
• Long flowering period
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Partial to full shade. Performs best in dappled or filtered shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates if moisture is sufficient. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and fading of variegation.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Adapts to most soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.

Exposure:
Thrives in sheltered to moderately exposed locations. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9 (UK H5). Well-suited for woodland gardens, urban areas, and shady borders.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high once established. Tolerates dry shade, but growth and variegation improve with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or autumn for best establishment. Can be planted year-round if watered during dry spells and protected from extreme heat or cold during establishment.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Grows to form a dense, spreading mat 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall and up to 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) wide.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, only water during prolonged drought. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and blooms.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Lightly prune or shear after flowering to keep the growth compact and control spreading. Hard pruning in early spring rejuvenates older or leggy growth.

Propagation:
Easily propagated by division, softwood cuttings in late spring to early summer, or by rooting trailing stems. Spreads naturally via stolons (creeping stems that root at nodes).

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Produces soft lavender-blue flowers from mid to late spring (April–May). Flowers contrast beautifully with the variegated foliage, providing early coluor in shaded areas.

Summer:
Foliage remains evergreen and features dark green leaves with striking, creamy white edges. Occasional reblooming may occur in cooler summer climates.

Autumn:
Foliage continues to provide strong colour and contrast in the landscape. Retains its neat, low-growing habit.

Winter:
Evergreen. Holds its variegated foliage through winter, adding brightness and texture to shaded or dormant garden areas.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Dense matting foliage offers shelter to beneficial insects and small wildlife. Generally not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Garden Use:
Excellent groundcover for shady spots, woodland edges, under trees and shrubs, or on slopes where grass struggles to grow. Variegated foliage provides added visual interest even when not in bloom. Suitable for erosion control and container use in shaded patios.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with shade-loving plants like Heuchera, Hostas, Tiarella, Pulmonaria, Ferns, and Hellebores. Its variegated leaves lighten dark areas and contrast beautifully with deep green or purple foliage

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Vinca minor Ralph Shugart. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.