A Fresh Take on A Garden Favorite
Add a touch of elegance and timeless fragrance to your garden with Illuminati Sparks™ Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius). Part of the Illuminati® series, this variety blends the nostalgic beauty of traditional mock oranges with bold foliage and improved landscape performance so you can enjoy an old-fashioned shrub in a whole new way!
Like other mock oranges, Illuminati Sparks™ produces an abundance of sweetly scented white flowers; however, this variety freshens up the classic look by pairing its blooms with gold and green variegated foliage. A lovely update to an already charming plant, the brightly speckled leaves bring a new level of interest that continues well after the floral show has faded.
Growing in a dense, rounded habit, Illuminati Sparks™ mock orange matures to a height and width of 3-4′. Its size and coloring make it a fantastic choice to add texture and brightness to mixed beds and borders. It also works great as a cut flower and foliage filler for seasonal arrangements.
Hardy to USDA zones 4-8, Illuminati Sparks™ mock orange enjoys full to part sun. It is a fairly adaptable plant, performing well in various soil types; however, it grows best in those with even moisture and good drainage. A strong performer in the landscape, it is considered deer and disease resistant. Pruning is not recommended since it does bloom on old wood, but if you want to shape the plant, do so after it has flowered in the spring.
Pruning Pointers
Pruning can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start. Luckily, Rick and Stacey are here to help. In a recent episode of their Gardening Simplified radio show, they share the basics of pruning—giving you the knowledge and confidence you need to make the right decisions for your landscape.