top of page

Vinca

Also known as myrtle or periwinkle, this plant is still widely popular for its evergreen foliage, adaptable nature and easy care. We grow less invasive cultivars for ornamental use. 

 

We currently grow: 
Vinca minor (Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Alba' (White Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' (Purple Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Aureovariegata' (Gold Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Bowles' (Bowles Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert' (Ralph Shugert Myrtle)
Companions for Vinca
Myrtle
Vinca minor (straight species)

 

Height         6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

Spread        Indefinitely

Flower         Lilac blue

Blooming     Spring

Hardiness    Zone 4-8

Light           Part shade

Moisture      Average

Soil             Rich, well-drained 

 

Widespread use across North America signifies this plant's adaptability and reliability. Ornamentally, its shiny, thick evergreen foliage stay clean and disease-free all season, and can be easily mown to rejuvenate. 1" wide blue flowers appear in spring and sporadically through summer and fall. Non-flowering stems reach out and root at the nodes to form new crowns. Provides an excellent living mulch under trees, and helps control erosion on slopes. As good as it gets for a weed-smothering ground cover for urban environments. Interplant with bulbs for effect. Not recommended for planting in or near native woodlots; easily contained by hard surfaces and mowing. 

 

Recommendations for growing Myrtle

Myrtle grows best on a fertile, humus-rich loam site under shade of trees, but can adapt to heavier soils quite easily. Ensure all perennial weeds and grasses are removed before planting. If soil is sandy or gravelly, mix in compost and peat moss to aid in moisture retention. Plant at soil surface and mulch 1-2". Water well for the first year of establishment and on an as-needed basis after that. Will take two seasons to fill in completely so control weeds during establishment period. Suggestions for ongoing maintenance include light fertilizing if chlorotic, mowing to thicken planting and edging to limit spread. 

 

Sold in 4" (10 cm) pots, 36-cell flats and Growers flats (50 clumps)

Vinca minor
Vinca Cvs
Myrtle Cultivars
Vinca minor 'Alba' (White Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' (Purple Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Aureovariegata' (Gold Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Bowles' (Bowles Myrtle)
Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert' (Ralph Shugert Myrtle)

 

Height         6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

Spread        Indefinitely

Hardiness    Zone 4-8

Light           Part shade

Moisture      Average

Soil             Rich, well-drained 

 

These selections differ based on ornamental characteristics of flower colour and/or foliage patterns as noted below. Any difference in growth rate from species is noted.

'Alba': straight green leaves and pure white flowers, slightly less vigorous.

'Atropurpurea': straight green leaves and purple flowers, slightly less vigorous.

'Aureovariegata': gold margins on green leaves, blue flowers, as vigorous as species. Best leaf coloration in light shade.

'Bowles': dark green cupped leaves, blue flowers, much less vigorous cultivar and highly recommended for ornamental plantings.

'Ralph Shugert': variegated white-edged leaves, blue flowers, less vigorous and highly recommended for ornamental plantings.

 

Recommendations for growing Myrtle

Myrtle grows best on a fertile, humus-rich loam site under shade of trees, but can adapt to heavier soils quite easily. Ensure all perennial weeds and grasses are removed before planting. If soil is sandy or gravelley, mix in compost and peat moss to aid in moisture retention. Plant at soil surface and mulch 1-2". Water well for the first year of establishment and on an as-needed basis after that. Will take two seasons to fill in completely so control weeds during establishment period. Suggestions for ongoing maintenance include light fertilizing if cholorotic, mowing to thicken planting and edging to limit spread. 

 

Cultivars sold in 4" (10 cm) pots only

Companions for Vinca
Companions for Vinca
Go back to full plant list​
bottom of page