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Herbaceous PerennialShrubs

Vinca minor 'Illumination' (v)

lesser periwinkle 'Illumination'

'Illumination' is a prostrate evergreen perennial with bright yellow, ovate leaves narrowly margined with dark green, and violet-blue flowers 2.5cm wide over a long period from mid spring to early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green Yellow
Summer Blue Green Yellow
Autumn Blue Green Yellow
Winter Green Yellow
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Vinca can be evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, paired leaves and solitary, 5-lobed, salver-shaped flowers in the leaf axils

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in all but the driest soils. Flowers best in full sun but very useful for shady areas. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn and by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust

Get involved

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