Omphalodes verna Alba

Omphalodes verna 'Alba', also known as the white navelwort, is a small semi-evergreen perennial that forms a lovely ground cover adorned with a multitude of white flowers. It thrives in shade or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. It brings light to the forest understorey in spring.

Omphalodes verna 'Alba' belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is the white form of this species, native to central Europe. It can be found from Lombardy to Hungary, growing on the edge of forests, in clearings, and along dwellings. A plant will spread about 20cm (8in) in all directions. This Omphalodes has a stoloniferous stump with creeping stems, allowing it to form a beautiful carpet over time. In spring, it produces beautiful heart-shaped, wavy foliage in a vibrant fresh green colour, which is semi-evergreen to deciduous. The leaves measure 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long and have a slightly pubescent texture. The pretty flowers, appearing in March-April, strongly resemble those of forget-me-nots. They are pure white, measuring 1cm (0in) in diameter, and are borne on long, flexible pedicels.

Omphalodes verna 'Alba' is a bright ground cover in spring, which should be planted in a light, moist understory with rich humus. Plant it in partial shade alongside wood anemones, Geranium nodosum, and bluebells amidst clumps of barrenworts.