McKay Nursery Bowles Periwinkle
Best hardy ground cover for gardeners with challenging shaded landscapes.
A reliable, evergreen groundcover that transforms difficult, shady corners into lush, flowering carpets. It balances rapid, dense growth with vibrant seasonal blooms, making it a low-maintenance solution for erosion control and underplanting.
$63.00
at
Mckaynursery
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners seeking a lush, self-sufficient garden carpet
- Gardeners wanting reliable spring color in shaded landscapes
- Property owners managing hilly terrain or difficult embankments
Who should skip it
- Landscapers maintaining small, tightly curated flower beds
- Gardeners with south-facing plots lacking natural shade
- Pet owners with curious animals prone to chewing greenery
Performance breakdown
Shade adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where traditional turf grass fails completely.
Erosion control
Dense, spreading mat effectively anchors soil on slopes and banks.
Maintenance ease
Requires minimal intervention once established, resisting both deer and drought.
Pollinator appeal
Reliably draws bees and butterflies during the spring and summer.
Growth speed
Establishes coverage quickly, filling in bare spots faster than many alternatives.
Year-round aesthetics
Evergreen foliage maintains visual interest long after the blooms fade.
Key Specs
Light Exposure
Part Sun/Shade, Shade
Watering Needs
Medium
Mature Spread
1-1.5 feet
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Flower Color
Blue, Purple
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Deer Resistant
Yes
Drought Tolerant
Yes
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Attracts Pollinators
Yes
Know before you buy
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the McKay Nursery Bowles Periwinkle before you decide.