'Bowles' Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is an herbaceous perennial evergreen ground cover in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family.  Originally from Europe, its dainty blue-lavender flowers appear against the backdrop of luxurious dark green leathery foliage in spring and early summer and intermittently throughout the year.

The plant tolerates high heat and close to full shade, but prefers full or partial sun, although its leaves can tend to yellow in full sun.  Plant in moist, organic soils. When using as a groundcover, plant 8 inches apart for quick cover of smaller areas and 12 to 18 inches apart for large areas.

While often used as a ground cover for large natural areas and around trees it grows quickly and aggressively rooting at the nodes and can become weedy.

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