Illumination Periwinkle

Other Names: Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle

Description:

A breathtakingly colorful evergreen groundcover featuring rich lavender flowers held over very glossy yellow-variegated foliage that colors the whole garden; does well in sun or deep shade, quickly forms a dense mat, even grows well under trees

Ornamental Features:

Illumination Periwinkle features beautiful blue flowers along the stems from mid to late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. It's attractive small glossy oval leaves remain dark green in colour with showy yellow variegation throughout the year. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes:

Illumination Periwinkle is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance perennial that will require regular care and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Illumination Periwinkle is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Border Edging
• Container Planting

Plant Characteristics:

Illumination Periwinkle will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This perennial performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder zones. This plant can be propagated by division.

This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.