Vinca minor 'Illumination' (Illumination Periwinkle, Illumination Myrtle)


Botanical Information

GenusVinca
Speciesminor
Cultivar'Illumination'
CategoryPerennials

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6- 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7- 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-25) - 20
Height 10-15 cm
Spread 60-90 cm
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMat-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.
ShapeMat-forming groundcover.
LandscapeIt 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.
PropagationPropagate by rooting semi-ripe stem cuttings in summer or crown division.
CultivationGrows 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.
PestsPhomopsis livella (dieback) can become a serious problem.
Notable SpecimensGlendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Bark/Stem DescriptionNon-woody stems which are slender (2 mm in diameter), light to dark green, smooth, and somewhat glabrous.
Leaf DescriptionBright golden-yellow leaves edged in green.
Flower DescriptionLarge, 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 DescriptionOften unnoticed, small follicle of brown fruit of no ornamental value.
Texture DescriptionDense branching, soft leaves and a fine texture, comfortable to walk on.

Photographs