Philadelphus coronarius 'Illuminati Sparks'

Philadelphus coronarius 'Illuminati Sparks': Fragrant White Flowers with Golden-Speckled Foliage

Philadelphus coronarius 'Illuminati Sparks' is a Proven Winners® mock orange that brings early-summer fragrance and bright foliage to the landscape in one tidy shrub. Clouds of fragrant white flowers appear in early summer, then the plant keeps working with green leaves speckled in cheerful yellow variegation that lasts all season. Its bushy habit stays full and well-shaped, making it an easy, polished choice for gardens that want reliable structure and a little extra sparkle.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 3–4’
• Spread: 3–4’
• Flower Colour: Fragrant white
• Flowering Period: Early summer
• Foliage: Green foliage speckled with yellow variegation that lasts throughout the season
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; benefits from organic matter and consistent moisture

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for foundation plantings, mixed shrub borders, and near patios or pathways where the fragrance can be enjoyed up close. The yellow-speckled foliage brightens planting designs all season and pairs especially well with darker evergreens or deep-leaved shrubs for contrast. It also performs beautifully in small groupings, creating a fresh, luminous look that stays attractive long after the bloom finishes.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first season to establish, then provide deep watering during hot, dry stretches for best growth and flowering. Prune right after flowering to maintain a bushy shape and encourage strong new growth for next season’s blooms. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cooler in summer. A spring top-dressing of compost supports healthy foliage and steady performance.

History: 'Illuminati Sparks' is part of the Illuminati™ mock orange lineup, selected for the classic, fragrant early-summer bloom of Philadelphus paired with bright, season-long variegated foliage and a compact, bushy habit suited to modern landscapes.

Final Thoughts: When you want a shrub that smells like summer and still looks bright and lively after the flowers fade, Illuminati Sparks delivers fragrance, foliage interest, and an easy, finished look all season.