Vinca minor White Power

Vinca minor 'White Power', in the same vein as the 'Flower Power' variety, is undoubtedly the most floriferous white periwinkle of all. It is covered with small star-shaped flowers throughout spring, and then again in autumn. This prolific variety proves perfect for quickly covering the ground in difficult areas, including under the roots of trees and beneath conifers. It forms an elegant carpet composed of bright and shiny evergreen leaves, even in the shade in dry soil in summer.

The small-flowered periwinkle is a creeping perennial with woody stems from the Apocynaceae family. It is native to central and southern Europe. It populates woods, hedges, rocks, and even dry and sunny meadows, and can sometimes be invasive. 'White Power', as its name suggests, stands out for its extraordinary floribundity. This plant develops from a woody base, producing creeping or erect stems, forming a dense carpet 15cm (6in) tall and 1m (3ft) or more in width. In contact with the ground, the stems emit vigorous roots that allow the plant to continue its lateral growth. The stems bear opposite, ovate, dark green, shiny leaves, and produce solitary, pure white terminal flowers composed of 5 square, asymmetrical petals throughout spring and again from September.

Periwinkles are useful, sometimes invasive, ground covers. They will spread even in shaded areas, although they may be slightly less floriferous. They eventually form thick interwoven mats, effectively covering the ground under trees or bushes, in rockeries, or along pathways. They have no difficulty in growing amongst roots. 'White Power' will easily naturalise in shade or partial shade, in the company of Acanthus mollis, Dichondra repens, or Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), in a slightly wild understory, even under a hedge of thuja or cypress. Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo', with its fabulous cream-variegated grey-green leaves, will make a beautiful combination with Vinca minor 'White Purple', in regions where winter is not too harsh. In the sun, it can accompany silver-leaved plants (Cerastium tomentosum), Phyla nodiflora, Leptinella, cat's ears, creeping thyme, Waldsteinia ternata, and many other ground covers.