Botanical Name: Vinca minor ‘Illumination’

Common Name: Vinca Vine, Periwinkle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9; Evergreen in Mild Climates

Size: 4–6" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Creeping, Mat-Forming, Compact

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early to Mid Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding Required

Features: Golden-Yellow Foliage with Green Margins, Lavender-Blue Flowers, Bright Shade Color, Controlled Spread, Evergreen, Low Maintenance

Uses: Borders, Groundcover, Under Trees & Shrubs, Woodland Gardens, Foundations, Shaded Containers

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Easy to Propagate from Cuttings

More About Vinca ‘Illumination’

Vinca ‘Illumination’ is a standout Vinca minor selection prized for its vivid golden foliage, which brings exceptional brightness to shaded landscapes. The bold leaf color provides season-long interest, even when the plant is not in bloom.

In spring, soft lavender-blue flowers appear above the foliage, offering a classic vinca contrast without distracting from the plant’s primary feature—its color. The compact habit keeps plantings tidy and intentional.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In trials, ‘Illumination’ performed reliably in partial to full shade, maintaining strong foliage color without scorching or fading. Once established, it handled dry shade conditions well and required minimal maintenance.

We especially value its use as a color-forward groundcover in darker garden areas, where most plants recede visually. It consistently delivered brightness without aggressive spread.

Illumination vs. Other Vinca Vines

‘Illumination’ stands apart from the Vinca major varieties by offering a smaller footprint and more controlled growth habit. Its golden-yellow foliage provides brighter contrast in shade than ‘Variegata’ or ‘Bowles Cunningham’, which lean more cream-and-green in tone. Compared to Wojo’s Jem, ‘Illumination’ is bolder and more color-forward, while still remaining well-behaved. It excels where color is the priority but aggressive spread is not desired. Among our Vinca Vines, it delivers the highest foliage contrast relative to plant size. Visually, it bridges the gap between the subtlety of ‘Wojo’s Gem’ and the scale of the Vinca major types.