Botanical Name: Vinca major ‘Bowles Cunningham’

Common Name: Vinca Vine, Periwinkle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 7–10; Evergreen in Mild Climates

Size: 6–12" Tall × 24–36"+ Spread

Growth Habit: Trailing, Creeping, Mat-Forming, Vigorous

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adaptable to Average or Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early Spring (With Occasional Repeat Bloom)

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding Required

Features: Cream-Edged Evergreen Foliage, Lavender-Blue Spring Flowers, Fast Coverage, Excellent Weed Suppression, Shade Tolerance, Low Maintenance

Uses: Groundcover, Slopes & Banks, Under Trees & Shrubs, Foundations, Woodland Gardens, Containers & Hanging Baskets

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Easy to Propagate from Cuttings

More About Vinca Vine ‘Bowles Cunningham’

Vinca Vine ‘Bowles Cunningham’ is a bold, variegated selection of Vinca major, prized for its large glossy leaves edged in creamy white and its vigorous, spreading habit. The foliage provides year-round interest in mild climates and instantly brightens shaded areas where flowering plants can struggle.

In early spring, plants produce soft lavender-blue flowers that sit neatly above the foliage, offering a subtle but welcome burst of color. While flowering is not the primary draw, the blooms add seasonal interest without detracting from the plant’s strong foliage presence.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In trials, ‘Bowles Cunningham’ proved exceptionally reliable in shade and part-shade conditions, filling in quickly and forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat. Once established, it handled dry periods with ease and required very little ongoing maintenance.

We especially value its performance on slopes and under trees, where competition for water and nutrients is high. The combination of bold foliage, durability, and fast coverage makes it one of our go-to groundcovers for challenging sites.

Bowles Cunningham vs. Other Vinca Vines

‘Bowles Cunningham’ offers a more polished version of Vinca major when compared to ‘Variegata’, with larger leaves and cleaner, more consistent variegation. It spreads just as reliably but presents a slightly more intentional, high-end look in the landscape. Against the Vinca minor varieties like ‘Illumination’, it delivers significantly more presence and faster coverage, though with less control. This makes it ideal for slopes, under trees, and large shaded spaces where strong foliage impact is needed. Among the four, it strikes the most balanced position between refinement and vigor. Visually, it reads bolder than both Vinca minor selections without appearing as coarse as ‘Variegata’.