Description
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ is a lovely variety of the common periwinkle plant, known for its attractive white flowers and glossy green foliage. This evergreen groundcover is perfect for adding interest to shaded areas, where it can quickly form a dense mat of foliage that helps to suppress weeds. ‘Alba’ is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance, making it a great choice for beginners or those with low-maintenance gardens. This plant looks beautiful when planted en masse, as a border or edging plant, or mixed with other shade-loving perennials such as hostas, ferns, and astilbes. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade, but can also tolerate some sun in cooler climates.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):White Periwinkle
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Vinca minor ‘Alba’ can grow to a height of 0.1m and a spread of 1.2m.
- Did You Know That:Periwinkle comes from the Latin pervinca which translates as thoroughly bind?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ thrives in wet or damp soil with decent drainage or in poorly draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and is a very versatile plant that can cope with full shade, partial shade, or full sun.
Maintenance
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ will benefit from pruning in Spring. Shrubs that produce their flowers in mid to late Summer or Autumn, typically flower on new growth, so by reducing the shrub in Spring you encourage lots of new, flower producing growth.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ can have problems with aphids, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as rust. It is also known to attract bees. It is toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
