Vinca minor 'Alba' (Small-leaved White Periwinkle) - January 2nd

These flowers on this Vinca minor Alba had braved the snow and night temperatures of -9 deg C. Combined with the fact that they were situated at a highways roundabout which is used predominantly by HGVs going into and out of a busy industrial estate, it speaks highly of the hardiness and durability of the Vinca minor group generally. It normally flowers from February/March onwards throughout the summer and even into Autumn. That should say all that needs to be said about its hardiness!

The small leaved evergreen Vincas (Vinca minor) are available in several shades of blue, white - V. minor Alba - as above and also a deep purple. There are also a few with variegated leaves - aureovariegata with golden blotched leaves probably the best. There are also one or two double-flowered cultivars available. (There are also the larger leaved Vincas - Vinca major. Not my favourites!)

The periwinkles are great for ground-cover, flowering best on a sunny bank, though also happy in part shade beneath trees and shrubs. They do not like the soil to be too dry, so if planted on banks, then ensure a supply of water in hot summers. They will spread well after establishment, and can be restrained - to a certain extent - by cutting back in early spring.

Propagation of Vinca minor Alba - and the other Vinca varieties is easy. Either divide the mature plants, or dig up rooted 'layers' in Autumn or Spring and plant into new position.

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