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Description
Vinca Minor Illumination, also known as Dwarf Periwinkle, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and typically grows in woodlands and rock gardens. Vinca Minor Illumination is a popular ground cover plant due to its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and its attractive foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vinca |
Appearance
Vinca Minor Illumination has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and about 1-2 inches long. The leaves are arranged in an opposite pattern on the stem. The plant produces beautiful, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and have five petals with a white center. The plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide.
Care Guide
Vinca Minor Illumination is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can also tolerate drought conditions.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Vinca Minor Illumination can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vinca Minor Illumination is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Leaf Spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to control leaf spot.
Habitat
Vinca Minor Illumination is native to Europe and Asia and can grow in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, rock gardens, and shaded areas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vinca Minor Illumination poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Q: Can Vinca Minor Illumination be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a well-lit area.
Q: How often should Vinca Minor Illumination be watered?
A: The plant prefers moist soil but can also tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: How long do the flowers of Vinca Minor Illumination last?
A: The flowers bloom in the spring and summer and can last up to several weeks.
Related Plants
- Vinca Major
- Periwinkle
- Angelonia
- Salvia
References
- “Vinca Minor Illumination.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b214.
- “Vinca Minor ‘Illumination’.” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant/vinca-minor-illumination-dwarf-periwinkle.
- “Vinca Minor Illumination Care.” Garden Guides, www.gardenguides.com/129138-vinca-minor-illumination-care.html.
