Contents
Description
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety, also known as Bowles’s Periwinkle, is an evergreen ground cover plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and has been widely cultivated in North America. This plant produces dark green leaves and attractive violet-blue flowers that bloom from spring to fall. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be used to cover bare ground, slopes, and banks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vinca |
Appearance
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and about 1-2 inches long. The leaves are arranged in pairs along the trailing stems, which can grow up to 18 inches long. The plant produces attractive violet-blue flowers that are about 1 inch wide and have five petals. The flowers bloom from spring to fall and are followed by small, round seed pods. This plant can spread up to 2-3 feet wide and has a height of about 4-6 inches.
Care Guide
Water
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety prefers moderate watering. It should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
This plant does not require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth.
Soil
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
This plant prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
This plant is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-draining soils. Overwatering can also attract slugs and snails, which can feed on the leaves.
Habitat
Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety is native to Europe and Western Asia and can be found growing in woodlands, meadows, and along riverbanks. In North America, it is widely cultivated as a ground cover plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety grow in full sun?
A: While this plant can tolerate some morning sun, it prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I water Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety?
A: This plant prefers moderate watering. It should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety?
A: Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Q: Does Vinca Minor Bowles S Variety attract pests?
A: This plant is generally pest and disease-free. However, overwatering can attract slugs and snails, which can feed on the leaves.
Related Plants
- Vinca Major
- Vinca difformis
- Vinca herbacea
References
- “Vinca minor ‘Bowles’s Variety’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c686.
- “Vinca Minor ‘Bowles’s Variety’.” Fine Gardening. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.finegardening.com/plant/vinca-minor-bowless-variety.
- “Bowles’s Periwinkle (Vinca minor ‘Bowles’s Variety’).” Gardenia.net. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/vinca-minor-bowles-s-variety.
