There's something undeniably soothing about the colour and charm of periwinkle flowers. Their soft purples and blues bring a graceful calm to any garden or bouquet. But what if you love that look and want more variety? That's where our little exploration begins, into flowers that look like periwinkle. Whether you're decorating a space, curating a floral arrangement, or simply planting beauty in your garden, plenty of alternatives capture the same magic.
Let’s uncover these gorgeous lookalikes and maybe even find your next favourite bloom.
1. Vinca Minor (Lesser Periwinkle’s Twin)
Vinca minor, often known as the true periwinkle, is a trailing evergreen plant that brings timeless elegance to any green space. Its flowers are typically around 2 to 3 centimetres wide, with five rounded petals arranged in a pinwheel pattern. The colours range from lavender to a dreamy periwinkle blue, creating a soft wash of colour wherever they spread.
Another feature worth noting is the foliage. With glossy, dark green leaves that contrast gently against the cool-toned blossoms, Vinca minor creates a visually pleasing carpet of colour. This plant is an excellent ground cover, particularly under trees or in partial shade, where many flowering plants struggle to thrive. It's hardy and low maintenance, and blooms prolifically in spring and sporadically throughout summer.
If you're seeking flowers that look like periwinkles and don't want to stray too far from the classic look, Vinca minor is the perfect match. It quite literally is the original, with just enough variety within the species to keep things interesting.
2. Blue Star Creeper (Laurentia Fluviatilis)
Blue star creeper is a dainty yet resilient plant that truly lives up to its name. The blossoms are star-shaped, each about 1 centimetre in diameter, and appear in a soft, pale blue tone that instantly reminds you of periwinkle’s understated charm. What sets this plant apart is the sheer number of blooms it produces, covering the ground like a blanket of miniature sky-blue stars.
It forms a dense, mat-like spread just a few centimetres tall, making it perfect for walkways, garden borders, and even between stepping stones. It can withstand light foot traffic, which adds to its practicality as a living mulch or filler plant. Unlike periwinkle, which favours shade, blue star creeper prefers full sun to partial shade and flourishes with regular watering.
It’s one of the most subtle yet rewarding choices if you’re after flowers that look like periwinkle but with a slightly more geometric and structured bloom.
3. Lithodora Diffusa
Lithodora diffusa is a real showstopper with its brilliant blue petals that appear like someone has intensified periwinkle's colour settings. The plant produces five-petalled flowers about 2 centimetres wide, each bloom sitting atop lush, evergreen foliage. The leaves are slender and covered in tiny hairs, giving them a slightly silvery appearance under sunlight.
It is particularly eye-catching when planted in rock gardens, where the vivid blue stands out against the earthy tones of stone and gravel. Lithodora prefers well-draining soil and full sun, although it can tolerate a bit of shade. It's ideal for cascading over walls, tumbling out of containers, or lining the edges of garden beds.
Though the tone is deeper than periwinkle, it belongs to the same cool colour family, making it a richer but still soothing alternative in the palette of flowers that look like periwinkle.
4. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Sylvatica)
Forget-me-nots are beloved for their cottage garden charm and sentimental name, but they share striking similarities with periwinkle. The flowers are tiny, around half a centimetre across. Still, they cluster in generous sprays that bring the garden a dreamy, almost cloud-like quality. Their pale blue petals with sunny yellow centres offer a gentle contrast that feels classic and cheerful.
They thrive in moist, partially shaded areas and reseed freely, often popping up year after year in unexpected places. Their heart-shaped leaves are soft and slightly hairy, adding texture to beds and borders.
In arrangements, forget-me-nots lend a nostalgic, meadow-like quality that works beautifully alongside roses, daisies, and other soft blooms. If you’re drawn to the innocent charm of flowers that look like periwinkle but want something a touch more airy and romantic, forget-me-nots are a natural choice.
5. Browallia (Bush Violet)
Browallia, also affectionately called bush violet, adds more drama to the mix while staying in the soft floral spectrum reminiscent of periwinkle. Its trumpet-shaped flowers measure about 3 to 4 centimetres across and come in hues ranging from pale violet to a richer bluish-purple, with many varieties showcasing a white or pale centre that offers beautiful contrast.
The foliage is bushy and rich green, providing a perfect backdrop for the profuse, velvety blooms. This plant is well-suited to shaded patios, window boxes, and hanging baskets, where it grows in a rounded, mounding habit and gracefully fills out containers.
What makes Browallia a special find among flowers that look like periwinkle is its subtle exotic flair — the blooms are soft, yes, but they have a confident presence that works in both casual and elegant arrangements.
6. Campanula (Bellflower)
Campanula, commonly called bellflower, is a broad genus that includes everything from trailing groundcovers to upright perennials. The signature bell-shaped blooms vary in size, ranging from pastel purples and blues to snowy whites. Many varieties, such as Campanula portenschlagiana or Campanula carpatica, offer a tone almost a perfect match to periwinkle, especially the soft lavender-lilac hues.
The flowers can measure from 2 to 5 centimetres in width, depending on the type, and their shape adds a romantic touch to borders and beds. Depending on the variety, they thrive in both sun and partial shade, and many will bloom from late spring right into summer.
Campanula’s ethereal quality and diversity in form make it one of the more versatile options when looking for flowers that look like periwinkle but with a gentle twist in shape and texture.
7. Lobelia
Lobelia is one of those wonderfully adaptable flowers that excels in hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds. It produces an abundance of small, rounded blooms ranging in shade from powdery blue to deep violet, many with a soft white throat that brightens the overall appearance.
Each bloom is about 1 centimetre wide, but lobelia's strength lies in numbers; during its blooming season, lobelia produces dozens, even hundreds, of flowers. Depending on the type, the plants tend to trail or mound, making them ideal for creating cascading walls of colour in a planter or along a garden edge.
Its movement makes lobelia stand out among flowers that look like periwinkle. As it spills gently over the sides of pots or softens a flower bed’s edge, it adds a sense of flow and grace that feels natural and effortless.
Conclusion About Flowers That Look Like Periwinkle
Exploring flowers that look like periwinkle gives you a fresh take on this elegant shade and shape. Whether you’re partial to the starry blue of the blue star creeper or the classic charm of forget-me-nots, there’s a lookalike bloom that can suit your taste and space. Each one offers something special, blending the cool elegance of periwinkle with a personality of its own.
And when it comes to bringing these blossoms to life in a bouquet or gift, nothing beats the convenience and beauty offered by Windflower Florist with the best flower delivery in Singapore. From garden inspiration to unique flower boxes, let your love for periwinkle bloom into something truly unforgettable.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Periwinkle
Is Vinca The Same As Periwinkle?
Yes, Vinca is the botanical name for periwinkle. Vinca minor and Vinca major are both varieties known for their trailing habit and periwinkle-blue flowers.
Can I Use Periwinkle Lookalikes In Bouquets?
Absolutely. Many of these blooms, like lobelia and forget-me-nots, are perfect for adding soft, delicate touches to bouquets or mixed floral arrangements.
Do Periwinkle Alternatives Grow Well In Singapore?
Some varieties like lobelia and vinca adapt well to Singapore’s climate, especially with proper care. Always check the sun and water needs before planting.
Are These Flowers Easy To Grow At Home?
Yes. Many flowers that look like periwinkle are low-maintenance, especially those used as ground cover or in hanging baskets. They suit both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
What Colours Do Periwinkle-Like Flowers Come In?
While they usually range from soft blue to lavender and pale violet, some have hints of white or deeper blue, giving you variety without losing the calm charm.
