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Perennials > Vinca > Vinca minor > Vinca minor 'Illumination'

Vinca minor

'Illumination'


Illumination Periwinkle, Illumination Myrtle




Genus
Vinca
Species
minor
Cultivar
'Illumination'
Category
Perennials
USDA Hardiness Zone
6- 9
Canadian Hardiness Zone
7- 8a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H6 - H4
Temperature (°C)
(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)
(-25) - 20
Height
10-15 cm
Spread
60-90 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
Mat-forming creeper found in shady locations, often used as ground cover. Stays evergreen under snow. Has a habit of growing further than its intended planting bed.
Landscape
It is great for lightening up dark, shady areas of the garden. It also is an excellent choice for mixed container plantings where it can cascade like golden ribbons over the edges. Vinca spreads by creeping across the ground and rooting at each node that touches the surface. This makes it an excellent plant to use for erosion control on slopes.
Cultivation
Grows best in partial sun to full shade in moist, well-drained soils, and is adaptable to pH and drought. The foliage will become chlorotic in full sun and the plant may fail.
Shape
Mat-forming groundcover.
Growth
Medium
Pests
Phomopsis livella (dieback) can become a serious problem.
Bark/Stem Description
Non-woody stems which are slender (2 mm in diameter), light to dark green, smooth, and somewhat glabrous.
Leaf Description
Bright golden-yellow leaves edged in green.
Flower Description
Large, solitary, perfect, bright lavender-blue flowers originate vertically from leaf axis and bloom from early spring to mid summer. Pinwheel formation, 12 cm in diameter with a five-lobed corolla.
Fruit Description
Often unnoticed, small follicle of brown fruit of no ornamental value.
Texture Description
Dense branching, soft leaves and a fine texture, comfortable to walk on.
Notable Specimens
Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Propagation
Propagate by rooting semi-ripe stem cuttings in summer or crown division.
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