Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001531
11/12/99
Vinca minor--Myrtle, Periwinkle
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Height: 8 in Spread: 12 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Blue, purple
Comments: Myrtle is a trailing plant (Vis. 4) most often
used for a ground cover. The flowers (Vis. 3) 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 (Vis. 1) are dark purple.
'Bowles' - Flowers (Vis. 2) are deeper blue and the
foliage is glossier.
'Dart's Blue' - An improved form similar to Bowles,
less susceptible to disease.
'Emily Joy' - Large white flowers.
'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 1999, Weston
Nurseries 1997, Lake County Nursery 1997, White Flower
Farm 1997, Wayside Gardens 1999, Monrovia Nursery Company
1997, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Gee Farms 1999, Midwest
Groundcovers 1999.
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to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
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a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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