Bowles Cunningham Periwinkle

A superior large-flowered selection of periwinkle with abundant bright violet-blue blooms above glossy evergreen groundcover foliage — more floriferous than the species for shaded banks and borders. (Vinca minor 'Bowles Cunningham')

$25.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Vinca minor 'Bowles Cunningham' is a standout evergreen groundcover noted for its abundant lavender-blue flowers, robust spreading habit, and clean dark green foliage. Blooming more heavily than standard forms, it brings vibrant early spring color to shady and hard-to-plant areas such as under trees, on banks, or along woodland paths.

Its trailing stems root at the nodes, quickly forming a thick, weed-suppressing carpet. Easy to maintain and resistant to both deer and drought, this cultivar is a reliable solution for erosion control, shaded mass plantings, and low-maintenance design in both residential and commercial landscapes.

In stock (100)

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Partial shade to full shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 4 to 6 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Low watering (once every 2 weeks)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	– Fast spreader – Spreads by rooting stems, forming dense mats in 1–2 growing seasons
Colorful Leaves	No
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	Blue
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	Yes
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	– Attracts early-season pollinators such as bees – Dense foliage may provide cover for beneficial ground insects – Deer and rabbit resistant
Self-pollinating	Self-pollinating
Seasonality	– 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
Ideal For	– Evergreen groundcover – Shade planting – Woodland or foundation plantings – Slopes and erosion control
Leaf Description	– 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
Flower Description	– 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
Pruning & Maintenance	– 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
Water Needs	– Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil – Drought tolerant once established – Water regularly during hot, dry spells, especially in full sun
Light Needs	– 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
Harvesting	– Not typically harvested, but may be used as a short-term floral filler – Primarily used as a landscape ornamental
Fertilizing	– Apply compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if soil is poor – Typically does not require regular feeding in fertile soils
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	– Pollinated by bees and other small insects – Spreads mainly through vegetative rooting at stem nodes
Companion Plants	– 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

Flowering and Seasonality

– 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

– 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

Pet Friendly

Growing Zone

Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9

Click to enlarge

Bowles Cunningham Periwinkle

Growing Information

Learn more about this plant

You may also like