Cora® Cascade XDR Lilac Catharanthus

Cora® Cascade XDR Lilac is an F1 Catharanthus roseus annual in Syngenta's Cora® Cascade XDR series, bred for vigorous growth and high resistance to several aerial Phytophthora strains. It produces large flowers over a low, mounding and spreading plant that trails from containers and baskets. ## Identification and use The exact [Syngenta Flowers product page](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/ams/product/flower/70018417) confirms the product code and selection name. Its profile describes Cora Cascade XDR as an annual with a mounding, spreading habit, flowering in late spring and summer, and suitable for full sun, part sun or part shade. The product page lists a garden height of 6–8 inches and a general garden width of 8–12 inches; its culture information gives a 32–36-inch garden width for the trailing selection. Actual spread depends on the container and where stems can cascade. The exact selection page lists Lilac as its color. The breeder reports screening against Phytophthora strains, while noting that resistance is not immunity. ## Growing conditions [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fp112) identifies the species as a heat-tolerant warm-season plant, and recommends well-drained soil. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/catharanthus-roseus/common-name/annual-vinca/) also describes annual vinca as a sunny to partly shaded summer plant. Leave room for trailing stems in baskets or raised containers; use in beds where drainage is reliable. ## Maintenance Water when the upper growing medium begins to dry and allow excess water to drain away. Avoid keeping roots persistently wet. Remove damaged or faded growth for a tidy display, and protect plants from cold; in most climates Catharanthus is grown as a warm-season annual.