Collection of three Vinca - Vinca minor, Alba and Atropurpurea

Renowned for their robustness and ease of maintenance, varieties of lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) are particularly appreciated as ground cover. This collection brings together three excellent varieties offered at a very affordable price. Vinca minor, V. minor 'Alba', and V. minor 'Atropurpurea' offer evergreen, glossy dark green foliage and beautiful flowering between March and May. The height of their foliage varies between 15 and 25 cm, making them perfect for creating an attractive green carpet all year round. Withstanding temperatures as low as -30°C, they thrive in any well-drained soil, even dry in summer, and can flourish in both full sun and partial shade.

This collection consists of:

1 x Vinca minor: the species type with 3 cm, bright violet-blue flowers. It forms a carpet 25-30 cm high and 1 m or more in width.

1 x Vinca minor 'Alba': a more compact variety (15 cm high) with bright white, eye-catching flowers.

1 x Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea': its foliage measures about 20 cm in height, and its flowers are dark purple.

Each of these varieties has its own characteristics while retaining the advantages of the classic lesser periwinkle, such as evergreen foliage and hardiness. These lesser periwinkles are ideal for planting in borders, but they can also be installed in rockeries or in a container. For rapid ground cover, plan for 6 to 9 plants per square metre. Varieties with more vigorous growth, like Vinca minor, should be planted with a spacing of 30 to 45 cm from each other, while for more compact varieties like 'Alba', a spacing of 25 to 30 cm is recommended.

The lesser periwinkles in this collection can be grown with plants that have similar soil and exposure requirements. Hardy ferns, such as Dryopteris erythrosora, offer an interesting contrast in texture with the smooth foliage of the periwinkles. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', with its silvery foliage, can also create a beautiful harmony. Hostas are another option; their broad foliage complements the narrower leaves of the periwinkles. All of these plants allow you to create a small harmonious scene in partial shade.