Vinca minor 'Illumination'

Container grown Vinca 'Illumination' in January.
©2003

PERIWINKLE
Family: Apocynaceae

GROWING GUIDE

Geographical Origin: Garden.
Plant Group: Subshrub.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: 1-24. USDA zones: 4-9. Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size: Height: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm). Width: Indefinate.

©2003

Flowering period: Main flush of flowers in spring with a light sprinkling of flowers the rest of the growing season. It will also flower during mild winter seasons.
Flowering attributes: Lavender-blue salverform flowers.
Leaf attributes: Golden centers with dark green margins lance-shaped evergreen leaves. See more details below.
Growth habit: Trailing.
Light: Sun, shade or partial shade situations. Foliage is outstanding in shade. Foliage may burn in dry hot conditions although this may not be a factor in our maritime climate.
Soil: Reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soils.
Feeding: In spring fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer. Side dress with compost or manures.
Propagation Methods: Layering in Summer. | Semi-ripe cuttings in summer. This is a patented plant so propagation is prohibited.
Pruning Methods: To renew or restrict growth cut plant back hard in early spring. Pinch back buds to promote more branching with new plants.
Pests and Diseases: Although there are no known problems as with other vincas, insects that may be a problem are aphids, fungus gnats and whiteflies. Disease that may be a problem is Pythium.

Rainy Side Notes

In 1995, Christy Hensler discovered this vinca in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains in Washington state. It was later introduced in the years 2001 and 2002. What an exciting discovery this plant was. The outstanding qualities of this plant is in the evergreen foliage. During the growing season the leaf centers start out a chartreuse color and edged with a dark green. As the season progresses the centers turn golden. In the winter the centers are cream colored. The stems turn pinkish red as the season progresses and holds its color through winter.

In containers V. 'Illumination is outstanding as a trailing plant and can be used year round in a container in our mild climate. This also looks great trailing over a dark colored wall. This also adds colorful interest to the winter garden. During milder than normal winters it will bloom sparingly. V. 'Illumination' will not be invasive like the species.

This plant may cause stomach upset if eaten.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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