Lesser Periwinkle 'Argenteovariegata'

This cultivar of the common Lesser Periwinkle is a versatile and invaluable groundcover for UK gardens, particularly useful for carpeting the ground beneath established trees and shrubs. Vinca minor 'Argenteovariegata' features small, glossy, oval leaves edged with a clean creamy-white margin, which helps to brighten dark, shaded corners of the woodland floor. From mid-spring to early autumn, it produces simple, five-petalled flowers in a lovely shade of violet-blue. It is extremely tough and fully hardy (H6), capable of thriving in almost any soil type, including heavy clay, provided it is not waterlogged. While it is less invasive than Vinca major, it still spreads effectively via rooting runners. Its low-growing, mat-forming habit makes it ideal for weed suppression. It is particularly effective when planted alongside spring-flowering bulbs or early woodland perennials like Cyclamen. It tolerates most light levels but produces the best foliage colour in partial shade.

Sun: Full shade to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept.