Vinca minor 'Bowles Cunningham'

– Attracts early-season pollinators such as bees

– Dense foliage may provide cover for beneficial ground insects

– Deer and rabbit resistant

– Spring: strong bloom flush and vigorous growth

– Summer: continued spreading with sporadic blooms

– Fall: slight rebloom possible; foliage remains fresh

– Winter: remains evergreen in most temperate zones

– Evergreen groundcover

– Shade planting

– Woodland or foundation plantings

– Slopes and erosion control

– Small, glossy dark green leaves, ovate to elliptical in shape

– Evergreen in Zones 4–9, providing year-round ground coverage

– Foliage forms a tight, weed-smothering carpet

– Single lavender-blue flowers, each about 1 inch wide

– Five-petaled, pinwheel-shaped blooms held just above the foliage

– Blooming period: early to mid-spring, with scattered rebloom into fall

– More floriferous than many other Vinca minor cultivars

– Plant in spring or early fall to allow for strong root establishment

– Space plants 12–18 inches apart to accommodate rapid lateral spread

– Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; amend poor soils with compost

– Tolerates a wide range of soil types including loamy, sandy, and slightly clayey

– Ideal for slopes, shady borders, or underplanting beneath trees and shrubs

– Trim back in early spring to encourage denser growth and renew vigor

– Can be sheared during the growing season to control spread or reshape

– Aggressive runners can be redirected or trimmed as needed

– Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil

– Drought tolerant once established

– Water regularly during hot, dry spells, especially in full sun

– Grows best in part shade to full shade

– Tolerates full sun in cooler climates if soil remains moist

– May require extra watering in sunny locations during summer

– Not typically harvested, but may be used as a short-term floral filler

– Primarily used as a landscape ornamental

– Apply compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if soil is poor

– Typically does not require regular feeding in fertile soils

– Pollinated by bees and other small insects

– Spreads mainly through vegetative rooting at stem nodes

– Hosta spp. – pairs well for varied texture and foliage contrast

– Brunnera macrophylla – spring flowers and bold leaves

– Heuchera spp. – vibrant foliage contrasts the dark green leaves

– Tiarella cordifolia – native woodland partner with upright bloom

– Dryopteris spp. (ferns) – enhance woodland or shaded settings