Illuminati Sparks™ Mock Orange

Take your love for mock oranges to the next level with Illuminati Sparks™. Its single flowers are the picture of elegance and simplicity, with the same lovely scent you can expect from any Philadelphus. After its floral show has faded, its foliage carries on the interest. Each leaf is uniquely speckled with gold and green variegation. Unlike some of the conventional options, its foliage stays healthy throughout the hot summer without burning up. Its dense, rounded habit fits into mixed perennial beds and borders nicely, mixing up the color story and providing some variation for gardens with mostly green foliage.

Why grow Illuminati Sparks™ mock orange?

  • Unique foliage
  • Amazing classic fragrance
  • Deer and disease resistant

Additional information

Dimensions1.5 × 3 ft
Botanical Name

Philadelphus coronarius 'SMNPVB' PP#34,296, CBRAF

Zone

4, 5, 6, 7

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Variegated

Height

3-4'

Width/Spread

3-4'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun

Soil

Any, Moist, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Late Spring

Uses

Borders, Containers, Foundations, Hedges, Naturalizing, Specimen

Features

Alkaline soil, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Foliage interest, Fragrant, Landscape plant

Blooms On

Old wood

Breeder

Tim Wood

SKU: 58078-1 Categories: , , ,

Plant Care

Light: Has the best foliage color and flowers most prolifically in sites with 6 or more hours of direct sun.

Soil: Best growth occurs in soils that hold even moisture and have good drainage. However, it’s fairly adaptable and will perform well in most soils.

Water: Has average water needs.

Fertilizing:  If desired, you may apply a granular fertilizer formulated for flowering woody plants in late winter/early spring when the soil is workable.

Pruning: Pruning is not generally recommended. Flower buds are formed on old wood, so any cuts will likely remove flowering potential. If you’d like to prune to shape the plant, this can be done after the plant has flowered in the springtime. It does benefit from periodic rejuvenation pruning. Essentially you’ll just remove a few of the thickest, oldest stems all the way back to the ground to promote new growth. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time, just cut back to a set of leaves.

Other: Although they make a beautiful cut flower, keep in mind that harvesting can impact the future flower display.