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

Bowles' Common Periwinkle

1 Gallon

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

1/5

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.

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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

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.