Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'
lesser periwinkle
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: any but very dry soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: April to September
- Flower colour: dark plum-purple
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Sumptuous, dark plum-purple flowers over a long period from April to September and dark-green leaves. This delightful, purple-flowered lesser periwinkle is an excellent groundcover plant. Flowering best in full sun it's an attractive alternative to the rampant Vinca major and particularly suitable for small gardens. - Garden care: To prevent the plant from becoming invasive cut back any unwanted shoots in spring.
Geranium phaeum
dusky cranesbill
Small, deep maroon flowers. Good for groundcover
Asarum europaeum
wild ginger
Lustrous foliage for a shady corner
Hosta 'Devon Green'
plantain lily
A much sought-after variety
Dryopteris wallichiana
fern
Sturdy, upright fern. Tolerates dry shade
Crocus tommasinianus
early crocus bulbs
The best crocus for naturalising
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock'
hyacinth bulbs
Perfect for a 'bruised' coloured border
Anemone blanda blue-flowered
winter windflower blue-flowered bulbs
A carpet of bright blue daisy-like flowers
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Plum-purple flowers, with a darker eye suffused in white, make this a classy partner with diminutive white muscari or other paler miniature bulbs
Val Bourne - Garden Writer