Periwinkle Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety'
ABOUT
Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', commonly known as lesser periwinkle or dwarf periwinkle, is a cultivar known for its lush appearance and ground-covering capability. This plant exhibits glossy, dark green leaves that are oval to lance-shaped with a leathery texture. The foliage forms a dense, sprawling mat that spreads along the ground. The dwarf periwinkle blooms in the spring and sporadically during the summer and autumn months, showcasing lovely flowers. Each flower is typically a deep violet-blue color, with a pinwheel shape composed of five petal-like lobes that radiate out from a central tube. The blossoms contrast beautifully with the shiny green leaves. Its stems are slender and trailing, and they can take root at nodes where they come in contact with the soil, aiding in the plant's spread. The overall appearance of 'Bowles's Variety' is one of a lush and vigorous ground cover, with the flowers providing pops of vibrant color against the dark green backdrop of the foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae.
Synonyms
Bowles's Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Small Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle.
Common names
Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety'.
ToxicityTo humans
Common periwinkle contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in sufficient quantities. Symptoms of periwinkle poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), depression of the central nervous system, and potentially, seizures. Ingesting large amounts of the plant can be serious and medical attention should be sought immediately if consumption occurs.
To pets
Common periwinkle is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The symptoms of poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, low blood pressure, depression of the central nervous system, and seizures. If a pet ingests common periwinkle, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, as the toxicity can be life-threatening.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground Cover: Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', commonly known as periwinkle, provides dense cover that can prevent the growth of weeds.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and can be useful on slopes to prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: It is easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, periwinkle can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Shade Tolerance: Periwinkle thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Winter Interest: It remains evergreen throughout the year, providing color even in the winter months.
- Rabbit Resistance: Periwinkle is not preferred by deer and rabbits, which can reduce the need for protective measures in gardens.
Medical Properties- Alkaloids: Contains alkaloids that have been used in pharmaceuticals, most notably vincamine, which is a precursor in the synthesis of vincamine-derived drugs used for cerebral insufficiencies.
- Chemotherapy: Its derivative, vinblastine, is used in the treatment of leukemia and Hodgkin's disease, but it's mainly derived from its relative, Vinca major.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', commonly known as Lesser Periwinkle, can be used in floral arrangements for a touch of delicate, evergreen foliage and subtle blue flowers.
- Lesser Periwinkle can serve as a natural dye source, with its flowers being used historically to produce a blue dye.
- In model landscapes or train dioramas, Lesser Periwinkle can be utilized to create realistic and low-maintenance green scenery due to its small scale and leaf texture.
- Due to its creeping growth habit, the plant can be used for preventing soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Lesser Periwinkle can be planted in outdoor pet areas, as it is non-toxic to dogs and cats, to create a lush, pet-friendly ground cover.
- The plant's dense mat can provide a living mulch under trees and shrubs, conserving moisture and suppressing weeds.
- In container gardens, Lesser Periwinkle can be used as a "spiller" plant, with its vine-like stems cascading over the edges of pots.
- Lesser Periwinkle can be used in fairy gardens and miniature landscapes, providing a small-scale ground cover that can simulate larger garden plants.
- This variety of periwinkle can also help create a green backdrop for spring-flowering bulbs, allowing the flowers to stand out against its foliage.
- The plant can be used as a natural carpet in woodland gardens, creating a serene and low-maintenance blanket of green beneath trees.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCommon periwinkle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCommon periwinkle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Vinca minor, also known as common periwinkle, often symbolizes perseverance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Everlasting Love: The evergreen leaves represent eternal, lasting affection in the language of flowers.
- Remembrance: Common periwinkle is sometimes worn or displayed in honor of loved ones who have passed away, as a token of memory and remembrance.
- Sweet Memories: The plant is also associated with pleasant recollections and nostalgia.
WaterCommon periwinkle, including the 'Bowles's Variety', should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. New plants require more frequent watering, about every other day, until they are well established. Once established, watering can be reduced to once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. During dry spells in the summer or in very hot climates, watering should increase to twice a week. Be mindful of rainfall and adjust accordingly to prevent overwatering.
LightVinca minor, commonly known as common periwinkle or creeping myrtle, thrives best in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sunlight. The ideal spot for planting common periwinkle would be under the dappled shade of trees or on the north side of a building where it receives filtered light.
TemperatureCommon periwinkle prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, withstanding minimum temperatures of -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures not exceeding 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can endure brief periods outside these ranges but sustained extreme temperatures may cause damage.
PruningCommon periwinkle requires minimal pruning to maintain its appearance and prevent it from becoming too invasive. Pruning can be carried out in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth and to shape the plant. If the plant becomes too thick, thinning it out every few years helps maintain air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Pruning can be done as needed anytime if there is unwanted spread or if the vines become too long.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Common Periwinkle, Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', should be fertile, well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCommon Periwinkle, being a ground cover, typically does not need repotting as it spreads through rhizomes. Repotting or dividing can be done every few years if needed for propagation or to manage its spread.
Humidity & MistingCommon Periwinkle is adaptable and can thrive in average humidity conditions found in most outdoor settings. It does not require high humidity to grow successfully.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleVinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', or Lesser Periwinkle, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in springtime, requiring a warm and moist environment. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with a set of initial leaves, and as they mature, they develop a sprawling mat of glossy, evergreen foliage and stems that root at their nodes. Throughout the growing season, typically from spring through fall, the Lesser Periwinkle produces its distinctive lavender-blue flowers, which can occasionally rebloom sporadically. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, completing the reproductive phase. The plant experiences a resting phase during the winter months, where growth slows down significantly but the evergreen leaves remain. Throughout its life cycle, the Lesser Periwinkle spreads mainly through its vegetative runners that take root, allowing for expansion of the ground cover, alongside less frequent seed dispersion.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common periwinkle, specifically Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety', can be propagated most effectively through division or cuttings; however, the latter is typically the more popular method. The best time to propagate the common periwinkle through cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) segment just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be transplanted to their desired location.
