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Other Products ｜Vinca minor " Bowles" Ground Cover
USD 1.78
Other Products / General Merchandise / Other Products
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ is the gold-standard solid-green periwinkle groundcover — a vigorous, fast-spreading evergreen perennial with glossy dark green leaves and soft blue-purple flowers that forms a dense, trailing mat just 4–6 inches tall. Stems root as they spread, creating a self-knitting carpet that suppresses weeds, stabilizes slopes, and provides year-round green coverage in the shade and partial-shade areas where turf and most perennials struggle. One of the most widely planted and reliably performing groundcovers available. Hardy in zones 3–8.
Best for: Large-area shade groundcover, slopes and banks, under trees and shrubs, woodland gardens, lawn-free yard designs, shaded border edges, foundation plantings, and erosion control on shaded terrain.
Please note: Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ cannot ship to Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Why Gardeners Choose Vinca minor ‘Bowles’
The benchmark shade groundcover: ‘Bowles’ is consistently one of the most vigorous and free-flowering Vinca minor selections — producing more blooms per plant than standard Vinca minor species types, with a fuller, lusher habit. It is the variety most often recommended by landscape professionals for large-scale shade coverage.
Fast, reliable spread: Spreads quickly by trailing stems that root at nodes wherever they contact soil, filling in large areas efficiently. Plants spaced 12 inches apart will close in and form a continuous mat within one to two growing seasons.
Soft blue-purple spring flowers: Pinwheel-shaped blue-purple flowers cover the mat in spring — a soft, elegant bloom display against the glossy dark green foliage. In mild climates, sporadic reblooming may occur through fall.
Evergreen year-round: Glossy dark green foliage is retained through all four seasons, providing consistent, clean coverage even in winter when surrounding deciduous plants are bare.
Exceptional weed suppression: The dense, interlocking mat blocks weed germination effectively once established, dramatically reducing maintenance in problem shade areas over time.
Deer resistant: Consistently rated as deer-resistant — a key advantage for shaded landscape areas where deer pressure is high.
Drought-tolerant in shade once established: Handles dry shade conditions that challenge most groundcovers. Once rooted, requires minimal supplemental irrigation under tree canopy.
Planting & Care
Light: Full shade to partial sun. Most vigorous in partial shade (2–4 hours of sun); tolerates deep shade under trees. Handles more sun in cooler northern climates with adequate moisture.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils. Prefers well-drained to moderately moist conditions. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Spacing: 12 inches apart; 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, low water needs — drought-tolerant in shaded conditions.
Feeding: Light balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired. Established plants need minimal feeding.
Pruning: Shear lightly in early spring to tidy and refresh. Trim edges as needed to manage spread.
Best Uses
Large-area shade groundcover and lawn replacement
Slopes and banks — erosion control under tree canopy
Woodland and shade garden groundcover
Underplanting beneath trees, large shrubs, and conifers
Foundation plantings in shaded exposures
Shaded border edges and bed fill
Deer-pressure areas where other groundcovers are browsed
Grows Best In
USDA Zones: 3–8
Climate notes: Broadly adaptable across most of the US — one of the cold-hardiest periwinkle selections, reliable to zone 3. Thrives in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Evergreen year-round in most zones.
Problem Solved
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ solves the most common shaded landscape problem: bare, difficult ground under mature trees and large shrubs where turf dies out, mulch washes away on slopes, and most perennials fail without intensive care. The dense, fast-spreading mat covers these areas permanently with evergreen foliage, year-round weed suppression, and spring bloom color — with minimal ongoing maintenance once established.
For areas where you want variegated foliage to brighten a dark corner, pair with Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ — the creamy white-edged variegated form with the same growth rate and bloom color.
Shipping Information
Ships as container-grown plants in 2.5-inch pots.
Cannot ship to: Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Ships to all other contiguous US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ‘Bowles’ different from regular Vinca minor?‘Bowles’ is a selected cultivar known for being more free-flowering and vigorous than the straight species — the most commonly recommended selection for large-scale coverage.
How many plants do I need to cover my area?At 12-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft. At 18-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 225 sq. ft.
Will it spread aggressively or become invasive?Vinca minor spreads vigorously but stays low and is easy to trim back. Note: in some states and regions, Vinca minor is listed as potentially invasive — check local guidelines before planting near natural woodland areas.
Does it bloom in deep shade?Yes — reliably in partial shade. In deep shade under heavy tree canopy, bloom count may be lighter but the evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round.
What pairs well with it?Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ is the natural companion — same growth rate, same bloom color, variegated foliage for contrast.
Related Collections
Evergreen Groundcovers
Fast Growing Groundcovers
Erosion Control Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants
Shade Groundcover Plants
Plants for Under Trees
Brand:Green Wood NurserySKU:VIN MIN BOW-1Tags:Growth Rate: Fast-Growing, Light Requirement: Full Shade, Light Requirement: Full Sun, Light Requirement: Partial, Mature Height: 0 - 1ft, Planting Zone: 5, Planting Zone: 6, Planting Zone: 7, Planting Zone: 8, Planting Zone:4, template-updated-2026Size Of Plants:Vinca Minor 'Bowles' 2.5" pot
View productBest for: Large-area shade groundcover, slopes and banks, under trees and shrubs, woodland gardens, lawn-free yard designs, shaded border edges, foundation plantings, and erosion control on shaded terrain.
Please note: Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ cannot ship to Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Why Gardeners Choose Vinca minor ‘Bowles’
The benchmark shade groundcover: ‘Bowles’ is consistently one of the most vigorous and free-flowering Vinca minor selections — producing more blooms per plant than standard Vinca minor species types, with a fuller, lusher habit. It is the variety most often recommended by landscape professionals for large-scale shade coverage.
Fast, reliable spread: Spreads quickly by trailing stems that root at nodes wherever they contact soil, filling in large areas efficiently. Plants spaced 12 inches apart will close in and form a continuous mat within one to two growing seasons.
Soft blue-purple spring flowers: Pinwheel-shaped blue-purple flowers cover the mat in spring — a soft, elegant bloom display against the glossy dark green foliage. In mild climates, sporadic reblooming may occur through fall.
Evergreen year-round: Glossy dark green foliage is retained through all four seasons, providing consistent, clean coverage even in winter when surrounding deciduous plants are bare.
Exceptional weed suppression: The dense, interlocking mat blocks weed germination effectively once established, dramatically reducing maintenance in problem shade areas over time.
Deer resistant: Consistently rated as deer-resistant — a key advantage for shaded landscape areas where deer pressure is high.
Drought-tolerant in shade once established: Handles dry shade conditions that challenge most groundcovers. Once rooted, requires minimal supplemental irrigation under tree canopy.
Planting & Care
Light: Full shade to partial sun. Most vigorous in partial shade (2–4 hours of sun); tolerates deep shade under trees. Handles more sun in cooler northern climates with adequate moisture.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils. Prefers well-drained to moderately moist conditions. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Spacing: 12 inches apart; 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, low water needs — drought-tolerant in shaded conditions.
Feeding: Light balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired. Established plants need minimal feeding.
Pruning: Shear lightly in early spring to tidy and refresh. Trim edges as needed to manage spread.
Best Uses
Large-area shade groundcover and lawn replacement
Slopes and banks — erosion control under tree canopy
Woodland and shade garden groundcover
Underplanting beneath trees, large shrubs, and conifers
Foundation plantings in shaded exposures
Shaded border edges and bed fill
Deer-pressure areas where other groundcovers are browsed
Grows Best In
USDA Zones: 3–8
Climate notes: Broadly adaptable across most of the US — one of the cold-hardiest periwinkle selections, reliable to zone 3. Thrives in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Evergreen year-round in most zones.
Problem Solved
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ solves the most common shaded landscape problem: bare, difficult ground under mature trees and large shrubs where turf dies out, mulch washes away on slopes, and most perennials fail without intensive care. The dense, fast-spreading mat covers these areas permanently with evergreen foliage, year-round weed suppression, and spring bloom color — with minimal ongoing maintenance once established.
For areas where you want variegated foliage to brighten a dark corner, pair with Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ — the creamy white-edged variegated form with the same growth rate and bloom color.
Shipping Information
Ships as container-grown plants in 2.5-inch pots.
Cannot ship to: Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Ships to all other contiguous US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ‘Bowles’ different from regular Vinca minor?‘Bowles’ is a selected cultivar known for being more free-flowering and vigorous than the straight species — the most commonly recommended selection for large-scale coverage.
How many plants do I need to cover my area?At 12-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft. At 18-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 225 sq. ft.
Will it spread aggressively or become invasive?Vinca minor spreads vigorously but stays low and is easy to trim back. Note: in some states and regions, Vinca minor is listed as potentially invasive — check local guidelines before planting near natural woodland areas.
Does it bloom in deep shade?Yes — reliably in partial shade. In deep shade under heavy tree canopy, bloom count may be lighter but the evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round.
What pairs well with it?Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ is the natural companion — same growth rate, same bloom color, variegated foliage for contrast.
Related Collections
Evergreen Groundcovers
Fast Growing Groundcovers
Erosion Control Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants
Shade Groundcover Plants
Plants for Under Trees
Brand:Green Wood NurserySKU:VIN MIN BOW-1Tags:Growth Rate: Fast-Growing, Light Requirement: Full Shade, Light Requirement: Full Sun, Light Requirement: Partial, Mature Height: 0 - 1ft, Planting Zone: 5, Planting Zone: 6, Planting Zone: 7, Planting Zone: 8, Planting Zone:4, template-updated-2026Size Of Plants:Vinca Minor 'Bowles' 2.5" pot
Product details
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ is the gold-standard solid-green periwinkle groundcover — a vigorous, fast-spreading evergreen perennial with glossy dark green leaves and soft blue-purple flowers that forms a dense, trailing mat just 4–6 inches tall. Stems root as they spread, creating a self-knitting carpet that suppresses weeds, stabilizes slopes, and provides year-round green coverage in the shade and partial-shade areas where turf and most perennials struggle. One of the most widely planted and reliably performing groundcovers available. Hardy in zones 3–8.
Best for: Large-area shade groundcover, slopes and banks, under trees and shrubs, woodland gardens, lawn-free yard designs, shaded border edges, foundation plantings, and erosion control on shaded terrain.
Please note: Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ cannot ship to Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Why Gardeners Choose Vinca minor ‘Bowles’
The benchmark shade groundcover: ‘Bowles’ is consistently one of the most vigorous and free-flowering Vinca minor selections — producing more blooms per plant than standard Vinca minor species types, with a fuller, lusher habit. It is the variety most often recommended by landscape professionals for large-scale shade coverage.
Fast, reliable spread: Spreads quickly by trailing stems that root at nodes wherever they contact soil, filling in large areas efficiently. Plants spaced 12 inches apart will close in and form a continuous mat within one to two growing seasons.
Soft blue-purple spring flowers: Pinwheel-shaped blue-purple flowers cover the mat in spring — a soft, elegant bloom display against the glossy dark green foliage. In mild climates, sporadic reblooming may occur through fall.
Evergreen year-round: Glossy dark green foliage is retained through all four seasons, providing consistent, clean coverage even in winter when surrounding deciduous plants are bare.
Exceptional weed suppression: The dense, interlocking mat blocks weed germination effectively once established, dramatically reducing maintenance in problem shade areas over time.
Deer resistant: Consistently rated as deer-resistant — a key advantage for shaded landscape areas where deer pressure is high.
Drought-tolerant in shade once established: Handles dry shade conditions that challenge most groundcovers. Once rooted, requires minimal supplemental irrigation under tree canopy.
Planting & Care
Light: Full shade to partial sun. Most vigorous in partial shade (2–4 hours of sun); tolerates deep shade under trees. Handles more sun in cooler northern climates with adequate moisture.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils. Prefers well-drained to moderately moist conditions. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Spacing: 12 inches apart; 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, low water needs — drought-tolerant in shaded conditions.
Feeding: Light balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired. Established plants need minimal feeding.
Pruning: Shear lightly in early spring to tidy and refresh. Trim edges as needed to manage spread.
Best Uses
Large-area shade groundcover and lawn replacement
Slopes and banks — erosion control under tree canopy
Woodland and shade garden groundcover
Underplanting beneath trees, large shrubs, and conifers
Foundation plantings in shaded exposures
Shaded border edges and bed fill
Deer-pressure areas where other groundcovers are browsed
Grows Best In
USDA Zones: 3–8
Climate notes: Broadly adaptable across most of the US — one of the cold-hardiest periwinkle selections, reliable to zone 3. Thrives in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Evergreen year-round in most zones.
Problem Solved
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ solves the most common shaded landscape problem: bare, difficult ground under mature trees and large shrubs where turf dies out, mulch washes away on slopes, and most perennials fail without intensive care. The dense, fast-spreading mat covers these areas permanently with evergreen foliage, year-round weed suppression, and spring bloom color — with minimal ongoing maintenance once established.
For areas where you want variegated foliage to brighten a dark corner, pair with Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ — the creamy white-edged variegated form with the same growth rate and bloom color.
Shipping Information
Ships as container-grown plants in 2.5-inch pots.
Cannot ship to: Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Ships to all other contiguous US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ‘Bowles’ different from regular Vinca minor?‘Bowles’ is a selected cultivar known for being more free-flowering and vigorous than the straight species — the most commonly recommended selection for large-scale coverage.
How many plants do I need to cover my area?At 12-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft. At 18-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 225 sq. ft.
Will it spread aggressively or become invasive?Vinca minor spreads vigorously but stays low and is easy to trim back. Note: in some states and regions, Vinca minor is listed as potentially invasive — check local guidelines before planting near natural woodland areas.
Does it bloom in deep shade?Yes — reliably in partial shade. In deep shade under heavy tree canopy, bloom count may be lighter but the evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round.
What pairs well with it?Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ is the natural companion — same growth rate, same bloom color, variegated foliage for contrast.
Related Collections
Evergreen Groundcovers
Fast Growing Groundcovers
Erosion Control Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants
Shade Groundcover Plants
Plants for Under Trees
Brand:Green Wood NurserySKU:VIN MIN BOW-1Tags:Growth Rate: Fast-Growing, Light Requirement: Full Shade, Light Requirement: Full Sun, Light Requirement: Partial, Mature Height: 0 - 1ft, Planting Zone: 5, Planting Zone: 6, Planting Zone: 7, Planting Zone: 8, Planting Zone:4, template-updated-2026Size Of Plants:Vinca Minor 'Bowles' 2.5" pot
Best for: Large-area shade groundcover, slopes and banks, under trees and shrubs, woodland gardens, lawn-free yard designs, shaded border edges, foundation plantings, and erosion control on shaded terrain.
Please note: Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ cannot ship to Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Why Gardeners Choose Vinca minor ‘Bowles’
The benchmark shade groundcover: ‘Bowles’ is consistently one of the most vigorous and free-flowering Vinca minor selections — producing more blooms per plant than standard Vinca minor species types, with a fuller, lusher habit. It is the variety most often recommended by landscape professionals for large-scale shade coverage.
Fast, reliable spread: Spreads quickly by trailing stems that root at nodes wherever they contact soil, filling in large areas efficiently. Plants spaced 12 inches apart will close in and form a continuous mat within one to two growing seasons.
Soft blue-purple spring flowers: Pinwheel-shaped blue-purple flowers cover the mat in spring — a soft, elegant bloom display against the glossy dark green foliage. In mild climates, sporadic reblooming may occur through fall.
Evergreen year-round: Glossy dark green foliage is retained through all four seasons, providing consistent, clean coverage even in winter when surrounding deciduous plants are bare.
Exceptional weed suppression: The dense, interlocking mat blocks weed germination effectively once established, dramatically reducing maintenance in problem shade areas over time.
Deer resistant: Consistently rated as deer-resistant — a key advantage for shaded landscape areas where deer pressure is high.
Drought-tolerant in shade once established: Handles dry shade conditions that challenge most groundcovers. Once rooted, requires minimal supplemental irrigation under tree canopy.
Planting & Care
Light: Full shade to partial sun. Most vigorous in partial shade (2–4 hours of sun); tolerates deep shade under trees. Handles more sun in cooler northern climates with adequate moisture.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils. Prefers well-drained to moderately moist conditions. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Spacing: 12 inches apart; 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, low water needs — drought-tolerant in shaded conditions.
Feeding: Light balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired. Established plants need minimal feeding.
Pruning: Shear lightly in early spring to tidy and refresh. Trim edges as needed to manage spread.
Best Uses
Large-area shade groundcover and lawn replacement
Slopes and banks — erosion control under tree canopy
Woodland and shade garden groundcover
Underplanting beneath trees, large shrubs, and conifers
Foundation plantings in shaded exposures
Shaded border edges and bed fill
Deer-pressure areas where other groundcovers are browsed
Grows Best In
USDA Zones: 3–8
Climate notes: Broadly adaptable across most of the US — one of the cold-hardiest periwinkle selections, reliable to zone 3. Thrives in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Evergreen year-round in most zones.
Problem Solved
Vinca minor ‘Bowles’ solves the most common shaded landscape problem: bare, difficult ground under mature trees and large shrubs where turf dies out, mulch washes away on slopes, and most perennials fail without intensive care. The dense, fast-spreading mat covers these areas permanently with evergreen foliage, year-round weed suppression, and spring bloom color — with minimal ongoing maintenance once established.
For areas where you want variegated foliage to brighten a dark corner, pair with Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ — the creamy white-edged variegated form with the same growth rate and bloom color.
Shipping Information
Ships as container-grown plants in 2.5-inch pots.
Cannot ship to: Delaware (DE) due to state agricultural regulations.
Ships to all other contiguous US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ‘Bowles’ different from regular Vinca minor?‘Bowles’ is a selected cultivar known for being more free-flowering and vigorous than the straight species — the most commonly recommended selection for large-scale coverage.
How many plants do I need to cover my area?At 12-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 100 sq. ft. At 18-inch spacing, 100 plants cover approximately 225 sq. ft.
Will it spread aggressively or become invasive?Vinca minor spreads vigorously but stays low and is easy to trim back. Note: in some states and regions, Vinca minor is listed as potentially invasive — check local guidelines before planting near natural woodland areas.
Does it bloom in deep shade?Yes — reliably in partial shade. In deep shade under heavy tree canopy, bloom count may be lighter but the evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round.
What pairs well with it?Vinca minor ‘Ralph Shugert’ is the natural companion — same growth rate, same bloom color, variegated foliage for contrast.
Related Collections
Evergreen Groundcovers
Fast Growing Groundcovers
Erosion Control Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants
Shade Groundcover Plants
Plants for Under Trees
Brand:Green Wood NurserySKU:VIN MIN BOW-1Tags:Growth Rate: Fast-Growing, Light Requirement: Full Shade, Light Requirement: Full Sun, Light Requirement: Partial, Mature Height: 0 - 1ft, Planting Zone: 5, Planting Zone: 6, Planting Zone: 7, Planting Zone: 8, Planting Zone:4, template-updated-2026Size Of Plants:Vinca Minor 'Bowles' 2.5" pot
Product information
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Other Products / General Merchandise / Other Products
Other Products / General Merchandise / Other Products
