Vinca minor 'Alba'

Vinca minor 'Alba': A Whisper of White for the Woodland Floor

Delicate and refined, Vinca minor 'Alba' offers a fresh twist on a classic groundcover with crisp white flowers that gleam against its dark evergreen foliage. Blooming in spring and occasionally again in fall, this low, trailing perennial spreads steadily to form a dense, weed-smothering carpet. Ideal for shaded sites where brightness is welcome, it brings quiet elegance and year-round structure to woodland gardens, beneath shrubs, and along shady slopes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 10–15 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm, spreads by rooting stems
• Flower Colour: Pure white
• Flowering Period: Spring, with occasional fall rebloom
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves; evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates some sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, or dry shade

Uses and Benefits: Vinca minor 'Alba' excels as a groundcover in shady borders, under trees, along paths, and on slopes where erosion control is needed. Its white flowers provide a welcome contrast in darker spaces, brightening woodland plantings and offering soft seasonal colour. Evergreen foliage keeps beds looking tidy year-round, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Companion Plants: Brighten the shade by pairing 'Alba' with Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade', whose chartreuse foliage adds light and contrast. Introduce Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' for soft apricot-pink plumes and airy texture in midsummer. Complete the trio with Geranium maculatum, offering soft, pink-lavender blooms and adaptable woodland charm.

Care Instructions: Plant in well-drained soil in part to full shade. Water regularly until established, then only during dry spells. Trim back in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a compact form. Minimal maintenance is required once established, and plants can be divided or thinned as needed to manage spread.

History: A white-flowering variant of the European native Vinca minor, 'Alba' has long been appreciated for its graceful bloom and adaptability. Valued in formal gardens and naturalistic plantings alike, it combines timeless appeal with the practical performance expected of vinca.

Final Thoughts: Soft, evergreen, and beautifully understated, Vinca minor 'Alba' brings elegance and ease to shaded landscapes—proof that even the quietest plants can shine.