‘Bowles’ Vinca

Vinca minor 'Bowles'

This vigorous, mat-forming, evergreen perennial is an improved form of the common periwinkle, featuring larger, more numerous, violet-blue flowers and glossier, richer dark green leaves. The long, trailing stems root as they grow along the ground, quickly forming a dense carpet of foliage excellent for suppressing weeds in challenging shaded areas. The charming, pinwheel-shaped flowers provide a stunning display in mid-to-late spring and continue to bloom intermittently throughout the summer and into fall, adding consistent color and texture to the garden. It maintains its handsome appearance year-round, even under mature trees.

Type

Groundcover

Height

-6

Width

-18

Foliage Type

Evergreen

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Full Shade

Water Requirements

Dry to Medium; easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. Prefers moist, humusy soils in part shade, but is very drought-tolerant once established

Foliage Color

Glossy, dark green year-round

Flower Color

Violet-blue to lavender-blue

Resists

Deer

Attracts

Bees
Butterflies
Pollinators

Design Use

Special Traits

Notes

Care: Generally low maintenance. To contain its spread, the shallow roots are easily removed or the edges can be trimmed with a spade or string trimmer. A light pruning in early spring can encourage a tidier appearance and enhanced flowering.

Soil & Establishment: Highly adaptable and can tolerate heavy clay soils as long as they are not constantly soggy. Water consistently during its first growing season to establish a robust, drought-tolerant mat.

Winter Maintenance: The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and does not require specific winter clean-up in the St. Louis region (Zone 4-8).

Fertilizing: A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in early spring, but it often thrives without much feeding in average garden soil.

Pests & Diseases: No serious insect problems, but it can be susceptible to vinca stem canker (blight), which can damage large patches in wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation.

Habitat: Not a Missouri native; it has proven to be invasive in several states and should be planted with caution near natural areas.

Plant Uses: Excellent for covering ground under mature trees, on banks and slopes to control erosion, or in containers and hanging baskets.

Pet Safety: Generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats.