Bowles' Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Bowles') | Blue Ground Cover

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Bowles' Common Periwinkle

Vinca minor ‘Bowles’s

A vigorous evergreen ground cover with profuse, large, violet-blue flowers and glossy dark green foliage, perfect for slopes and shade.

$19.90

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Description

Vinca minor 'Bowles' (often spelled 'Bowles's') is a superior, vigorous evergreen ground cover prized for its profuse, large, violet-blue flowers and dense, glossy foliage. This classic selection of the common periwinkle forms a lush, weed-suppressing mat of small, oval to lance-shaped, dark green, leathery leaves on long, trailing, rooting stems. From early to late spring, with sporadic blooming into summer and fall, it produces an abundance of large, five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped flowers in a rich, deep violet-blue, creating a brilliant, carpet-like display that attracts bees and other pollinators. Exceptionally adaptable, drought-tolerant once established, and deer resistant, it is an outstanding choice for erosion control on slopes, ground cover under trees, rock gardens, foundation plantings, and containers.

Quick Facts

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Light: Full sun to full shade (best flowering in sun; tolerates deep shade)

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Foliage & Flowers: Small, oval to lance-shaped, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves (broadest near middle, rounded to wedge-shaped base); large, five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped, rich violet-blue flowers, blooming profusely in early to late spring with sporadic rebloom .
Mature Height: 4-6 inches
Mature Spread: Indefinite (spreading by trailing, rooting stems)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9
Core Benefits: Profuse large violet-blue flowers, dense evergreen ground cover, drought tolerant once established, deer resistant, erosion control, shade tolerant.
Best Uses: Ground cover, erosion control on slopes, under trees, rock gardens, foundation plantings, containers, hanging baskets.

Faqs

Q: How is 'Bowles' different from the species Vinca minor?
A: 'Bowles' is selected for its larger flowers, more profuse blooming, and superior vigor compared to the standard species. It is one of the most popular and reliable Vinca cultivars.

Q: How large does it get?
A: It is a low-growing, spreading ground cover, reaching only 4-6 inches in height but spreading indefinitely by trailing, rooting stems.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun to full shade. For the most abundant flowering, plant in full sun. In hot summer climates, it appreciates afternoon shade.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in most climates, retaining its glossy, dark green leaves year-round.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Once established, it is drought tolerant, though it prefers evenly moist soil for best performance. It is an excellent choice for dry shade.

Q: Is it invasive?
A: While it spreads vigorously by trailing, rooting stems, Vinca minor is generally less aggressive than Vinca major and is considered manageable in most garden settings. However, it can naturalize in some regions; check local guidelines.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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