Vinca minor 'Illumination' | Variegated Periwinkle | Evergreen Groundcover | Shade Plant | Live 4" Pot

Brighten shady garden spaces with Vinca minor 'Illumination', a stunning variegated periwinkle prized for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage edged in deep green and charming lavender-blue flowers. This vigorous evergreen groundcover provides year-round color while creating a dense, weed-suppressing carpet that's perfect for woodland gardens, slopes, borders, and beneath trees.

Blooming heavily in spring with additional flowers appearing throughout the growing season, 'Illumination' combines colorful foliage with classic periwinkle blooms. Its trailing growth habit makes it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, retaining walls, and erosion control. Once established, this deer-resistant perennial is drought tolerant and exceptionally easy to maintain.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Vinca minor 'Illumination'
• Common Name: Variegated Periwinkle
• Life Cycle: Evergreen Perennial
• Foliage Color: Golden Yellow Centers with Dark Green Margins
• Flower Color: Lavender-Blue
• Bloom Season: Spring with intermittent rebloom through the growing season
• Mature Height: 4–6 inches
• Spread: 12–18 inches
• Growth Habit: Trailing, Spreading Groundcover
• Light Requirements: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
• Characteristics: Evergreen, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Weed Suppressing, Low Maintenance

Perfect For

• Shade gardens
• Woodland gardens
• Under trees
• Erosion control
• Slopes and banks
• Garden borders
• Hanging baskets
• Containers
• Groundcover plantings
• Foundation landscapes

Planting Partners

Pairs beautifully with:

• Hosta 'June'
• Heuchera 'Forever Red'
• Japanese Painted Fern
• Lamium 'Purple Dragon'
• Carex 'Everillo'
• Brunnera
• Epimedium
• Ajuga

Care Tips

Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full shade for the brightest foliage color. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering as plants mature. Trim occasionally to control spreading and encourage fresh growth. A light spring fertilization will promote vigorous foliage and flowering.