Alba periwinkle: white flowers above a low green carpet

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White flowers between small glossy leaves

Alba is a white-flowered selection of lesser periwinkle. Its individual flowers have five white, slightly twisted-looking lobes and a pale centre. Opposite small green leaves sit on thin stems; edges are smooth and surfaces glossy. The strongest flower display is in spring. Further individual flowers may appear later without the whole carpet flowering white constantly. Plan a low green stand with a pronounced white spring phase. Current delivery is a young plant whose flowers depend on cultivation and season.

Gently untangle long young stems

The offer includes single plants and sets of six or twelve plants in 9 cm pots. Approximate total height of 10–25 cm includes the pot. Thin runners may extend farther sideways even though the plant looks low overall. After unpacking, check the rootball first and gently loosen crossing stems. Do not pull one stem to strip the pot off. Hold soil and gently remove the container. Roots first need to explore their new site. A dense green carpet and the flower abundance of an established area do not happen on the first planting day.

A shaded area is not automatically moist

Partial shade and shade work well for lesser periwinkle. Sun is possible too with sufficient soil moisture. Under trees, check how much water their roots draw from soil. A cool-looking shady place may be very dry for a small rootball. Humus-rich permeable soil that holds moisture makes starting easier. Continuously wet areas are unsuitable. With pale flowers the plant may brighten darker garden spots, but care cannot be inferred solely from apparent light levels. Check rain access and moisture at several points before planting.

Prepare planting sites and boundaries together

The shop gives approximately 25–30 cm spacing for a group. Lay pots out before planting. An accessible edge later helps remove stems beside paths and among small neighbouring perennials in time. Plant in spring or early autumn in frost-free soil. Slowly moisten a dry rootball first, plant at its previous level and water in. Soil should make good contact. Gently spread long young stems without pulling them taut. Older side shoots may root on soil, so the intended bed boundary remains a care task.

Encourage establishment, distinguish drought situations

Check newly planted plants directly in their rootballs. If dry, water slowly so their centres also receive moisture. Several small surface doses under trees may miss the actual root zone. An established stand copes temporarily with drier conditions. That does not mean unchanged flower abundance or a permanently maintenance-free area. Continue checking longer dry spells and new plantings. Good humus-rich soil usually needs no constant strong fertilisation. When growth weakens, check moisture, root competition and plant condition first. An outdoor container needs free drainage and regular moisture checks.

Attend to runners and dense old areas in time

Where a stem lies outside the intended area, follow it to its rooting point. Simply cutting at the edge leaves an already rooted segment alongside. Remove unwanted pieces with their roots. Small gaps may be closed with healthy rooted sections; the white selection is maintained vegetatively. Very old or confusingly matted areas may be cut back selectively after main flowering. Then observe new stems and moisture. Remove old leaf remains and conspicuously diseased shoots. An airy accessible planting makes work easier than a continually neglected dense carpet.

Look at leaves beyond flowering too

Evergreen foliage keeps the stand visible over many months, although individual old leaves are replaced. Dry winter wind, sun over frozen ground and an exposed small container may damage leaves. Check moisture in frost-free weather; keep containers sheltered with free drainage. If larger areas suddenly brown or wilt despite wet soil, inspect stem bases and roots too. Healthy green foliage and the familiar white flowers help observe the selection. Plant parts are not eaten; wear gloves for planting and pruning.

One plant, several views

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