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photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

ILLUMINATI SPARKS™

Mock Orange

Philadelphus coronarius

'SMNPVB'

PP#34,296; CBRAF

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Illuminati Sparks mock orange has variegated foliage and fragrant white flowers in early summer. Illuminati Sparks mock orange has unique yellow and green speckled variegation. Illuminati Sparks mock orange covered in white flowers. The white flowers of Illuminati Sparks mock orange nestle among the variegated foliage. Illuminati Sparks mock orange has intensely variegated foliage made of yellow and green speckles. The white flowers of Illuminati Sparks mock orange nestle among the variegated foliage.
  • Variegated
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Deer resistant
Description

Conventional mock oranges look fabulous in bloom but don't have much to offer beyond that - until Illuminati Sparks mockorange (Philadelphus coronarius). Its lustrous green foliage is dotted with cheery yellow variegation for appeal that lasts early spring, summer, and beyond. Makes a very nice cut stem for foliage filler, as well as adding color and texture in the landscape. Fragrant white flowers in early summer.

USDA Zone
4 - 8 (-30°F/-34.4°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 4'
Width
3 - 4'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Late spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Variegated
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Not finicky about soil, though best growth and flowering is in well-drained soils with even moisture.

Pruning

Blooms on old wood; prune after flowering if desired or required. Benefits from periodic rejuvenation pruning.

Uses

Perennial beds; mixed borders; foundation plantings.

Growing Tips

Grows in part shade, but flowering and fragrance are best with a minimum of 6 hours of sun.

  • Grower Sheet: Illuminati Sparks™ Philadelphus Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week April 7, 2022

    • Features: Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Compact, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Foliage interest, Fragrant, Non-invasive

    Filters: Botanical genus: Philadelphus , Common name: Mock Orange , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Variegated foliage

    Features: Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Compact, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Foliage interest, Fragrant, Non-invasive

    Filters: Botanical genus: Philadelphus , Common name: Mock Orange , Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Variegated foliage