Vinca minor 'ILLUMINATION' lesser periwinkle

Illumination is a fascinating periwinkle variety with highly attractive foliage. The leaves are striking yellow in the centre and dark green at margins. Pinwheel-shaped flowers are violet blue, divided into 5 petals, 2-2.5 cm across, and bloom continuously from mid spring until early summer while May flowering is the most abundant. It was found in 1995 as a natural mutation of the species by Christy Hensler of Skaging Gardens in Newport, Washington, USA, and patent PP12132 was granted in 2001 (expired now).

Leaves are ovate, evergreen, leathery, and glossy. Plant makes long shoots which are best trimmed to achieve a dense and compact mat with plentiful of flowers unless you are looking for a quick ground-cover. Periwinkle is ideal in areas where it can be left to its own devices, beneath taller trees or shrubs, not disturbing smaller and dwarf plants. If desired in a bed along with other plants keep it under control by hard pruning.

It will grow in almost any soil type apart from too dry. It flowers best in full sun in evenly moist ground. In the wild it naturally grows in filtered sun or partial shade. Fully hardy to -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 07-11-2020.