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Lesser periwinkle
The Vinca minor 'Illumination' is a vibrant addition to any garden, offering a lush carpet of green and yellow foliage throughout the year. Known commonly as lesser periwinkle, this robust ground cover impresses with charming blue flowers that appear in the spring and intermittently throughout the summer and autumn.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Blue flowering ground covers. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Blue flowering ground covers for a long time.
For optimal growth, Vinca minor 'Illumination' should be situated where it can bask in full sun to partial shade, although it is quite adaptable and can also thrive in shaded areas. This versatility allows it to be an excellent choice for various garden locations. The plant prefers well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Ensuring adequate soil moisture is key, as the species does not possess strong drought resistance. Its vibrant green and yellow foliage will maintain its lustrous appearance throughout the year in the right location.
When planting Vinca minor 'Illumination', select a site that accommodates its preference for sun to shade and ensure the soil is well-drained. Begin by preparing the planting area, loosening the soil, and enriching it with compost if needed. Position the plants, which come in pots, with sufficient space to allow for their creeping growth habit. Once placed, backfill the soil and press down gently to establish contact between the roots and the soil. Water the plants well to settle the soil around the roots and maintain consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells, to support their average water needs.
Pruning of Vinca minor 'Illumination' is a straightforward process that encourages healthy growth and flowering. To maintain its vibrant foliage and support its sprawling habit, it is best to prune in early to mid-spring. This timing allows for the removal of damaged or dead growth following winter, without impacting the buds that will soon swell with the promise of blooms. By tidying up the plant after the risk of severe weather has subsided, one ensures a lush, ornamental ground cover throughout the growing season.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' thrives with moderate hydration, adapting well to a variety of light conditions, from full sun to shade. Despite its evergreen foliage and robust nature, it is not drought-resistant and benefits from consistent moisture. During the growing season, ensure the soil remains moist but well-drained to support its creeping, widespread growth habit. In pots, be vigilant as the soil can dry out faster, necessitating more frequent watering. However, it is crucial to avoid waterlogging as it could impair root health. Regularly check the soil's moisture level and water as needed to maintain optimal conditions.
To maintain the vibrant variegated foliage and support the flowering of Vinca minor 'Illumination', fertilizing is a key aspect of its care. The plant benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring as new growth appears. This initial feeding will replenish any nutrients that have been depleted over the winter and provide a steady supply throughout the growing season. A second application of fertilizer can be beneficial in mid-summer to promote continued health and vigor, particularly if the plant is growing in less than ideal soil conditions. As with all fertilizing, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowering.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' thrives in a variety of soil types, though it favors a moist, well-draining medium. To maintain its vibrant variegated foliage, ensure it receives dappled sunlight; too much shade may diminish the luminosity of its leaves. When potting, opt for a container with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. This species gracefully spreads, creating a tapestry of color, ideal for brightening shaded garden spots or as an elegant ground cover.
Dividing Vinca minor 'Illumination' is a straightforward method to promote its health and spread its vibrant foliage. Carefully excavate the plant, ensuring to keep the rootball intact. Then, separate into smaller sections, each with ample roots and shoots. Replant these divisions immediately, spacing them to allow for their creeping growth habit. This process is best undertaken in the cooler temperatures of spring or autumn. By doing so, gardeners ensure a continuation of the striking green and yellow foliage and delicate blue blossoms throughout their landscape.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' typically grows to a height ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' can reach a maximum spread of 1 to 1.5 meters when fully mature.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' can thrive in various soil types as long as the soil is well-drained. Ensuring proper drainage will create an optimal environment for the healthy growth of this plant.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' is a highly adaptable plant when it comes to light conditions. It can thrive in locations ranging from full sun to partial shade and even in shaded areas. This plant can be placed in a variety of spots, from those that receive direct sunlight to those with partial shade or even in areas with limited light. For optimal growth and vibrancy, partial shade is recommended.
The flowers of Vinca minor 'Illumination' exhibit a captivating blue hue, adding a delightful touch to this particular variety.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' is considered winter hardy, being able to tolerate temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C. This places it within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. As a result, Vinca minor 'Illumination' can withstand the winter conditions in regions falling within these hardiness zones.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' is indeed an evergreen plant. Its foliage remains green throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for maintaining vibrant greenery in various landscapes.
Vinca minor 'Illumination' takes approximately 2 to 5 years to reach its ultimate height, signifying a moderate growth rate over a span of a few years.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
The Vinca minor 'Illumination' is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet striking ground cover. This vibrant plant features variegated foliage that brightens shady areas and complements other garden species with its charming periwinkle flowers. It's an excellent addition to any landscape design.
