Species

Vinca minorPeriwinkle

5 other cultivars

groundcover

Lesser Periwinkle

Vinca minor 'Bowles Variety'

The Story

Plant Bio

Vinca minor, commonly known as lesser periwinkle, is an evergreen, mat-forming groundcover native to central and southern Europe. The plant spreads via trailing, rooting stems that form dense, interwoven carpets of glossy, leathery dark green leaves.

'Bowles Variety' is distinguished by its finer texture, tighter growth habit, and larger, deep blue-violet flowers. This cultivar produces its intense azure-blue, five-petaled blooms primarily in spring, with sporadic rebloom continuing into summer and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, glossy evergreen carpet topped with intense blue-violet flowers in spring.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on shaded slopes and suppressing weeds once established.

Provides low-growing ground cover and shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects.

SpeciesVinca minorPeriwinkle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap is a skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the trailing stems to spread and root where they touch the ground.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light top-dressing of organic compost in early spring to support healthy foliage growth without triggering excessive, leggy runners.

Pro Tip

Never shear this groundcover flat into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to regenerate and the structural framework will be ruined.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Do shear back lightly after the spring bloom flush to control spread and maintain a tidy habit.
Do wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation from the milky sap.

Don't

Don't plant near natural woodland boundaries where trailing stems can easily escape containment.
Don't apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, leggy growth and reduce flowering.
Don't allow the soil to become waterlogged or boggy.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverUnderstory PlantingErosion Control on SlopesShade Garden Border

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lesser Periwinkle questions

What zones can Lesser Periwinkle grow in?

Lesser Periwinkle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lesser Periwinkle deer resistant?

Yes — Lesser Periwinkle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lesser Periwinkle bloom?

Lesser Periwinkle typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lesser Periwinkle need full sun?

Lesser Periwinkle does best in part shade.

Is Lesser Periwinkle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lesser Periwinkle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.