Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 2.0 - 00001531
01/01/98

Vinca minor--Myrtle, Periwinkle

Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10                                    
Height: 8 in   Spread: 12 in                                
Type: herbaceous perennial                                  
Flowers: Blue, purple                                       

Comments: Myrtle is a trailing plant most often used for a  
ground cover.  The flowers of the species are pale blue     
and the stems root as they grow along the ground.  Myrtle   
grows best in partial shade in a moist soil.  Bulbs may be  
interplanted with myrtle giving a nice effect.  Cultivars   
offer purple flowers, double flowers, and yellow or         
variegated leaves.                                          

Propagation: Myrtle may be propagated by softwood cuttings  
or division.                                                

Cultivars:                                                  
   'Alba' - White flowers.                                  
   'Atropurpurea' - Flowers are dark purple.                
   'Bowles' - Flowers are deeper blue and the foliage is    
     glossier.                                              
   'Dart's Blue' - An improved form similar to Bowles,      
     less susceptible to disease.                           
   'Miss Jekyll' - A dwarf type, about 3 inches tall, with  
     white flowers.                                         
   'Ralph Shugert' - Dark green leaves are edged with       
     white, the flowers are deep blue.                      
   'Variegata' - The leaves have white margins.             

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1997, Weston      
Nurseries 1997, Lake County Nursery 1997, White Flower      
Farm 1997, Wayside Gardens 1996, Monrovia Nursery Company   
1997, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1997.                           

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