Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to full shade
Flowering period: Mid spring to summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15cm
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 4a – 9a
Family: Apocynaceae
Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ is an evergreen shrub with a prostrate, mat forming habit. Its leaves are dark green with yellow margins and gray green mottling, elliptic to ovate with entire margins, up to 40cm long and 25cm. Its green stems are slender and trailing and root at intervals, aiding its spread. Its white flowers are solitary and trumpet-shaped.
Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ Flower (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Vinca minor, commonly known as Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Myrtle or Creeping Myrtle, is native to mainland Europe. In its native habitat it grows as a woodland understory plant. It is considered an invasive species in North America. Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ is commonly known as Small White Variegated Periwinkle.
The etymological root of the binomial name Vinca is derived from the Latin vincio meaning ‘to bind’, in reference to the plants spiralling runners. Minor is from the Latin meaning ‘smaller’, in reference to its low habit compared to Vinca major. Alba is from the Latin meaning ‘white’. Variegata is derived from the Latin meaning variegated.
The landscape architect may find Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ useful as an effective free-flowering ground cover plant, which is suitable for shade locations.
Ecologically, Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ is attractive to some pollinating insects.
Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ Leaf (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Vinca minor ‘Alba Variegata’ requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out in spring