Better Genetics, Better Landscapes: Discover XDR

Bedding plants like Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) play a critical role in landscape success. If you're still relying on older, disease-prone varieties, it may be time to reconsider. Thanks to horticultural advancements, Vinca XDR varieties offer a game-changing upgrade in durability and performance.

Traditional vs. XDR (Extreme Disease Resistance) Vinca Varieties

Classic Vinca varieties such as Cooler, Pacifica and older Titan cultivars are known for their vibrant blooms and heat tolerance. However, these traditional selections share one critical weakness: susceptibility to Phytophthora, a destructive soil-borne pathogen that causes root and stem rot. 

Under heavy rain or over-irrigation, Phytophthora can spread quickly through plant beds, leading to rapid collapse and widespread loss. Even with preventative fungicide programs, outbreaks can devastate entire plantings resulting in:

•  Increased labor and replacement costs
• Disrupted visual quality and client satisfaction
• Lost time and productivity for maintenance crews

For professionals managing large or high-visibility landscapes, these risks can quickly add up. 

What is XDR?

XDR, or Extreme Disease Resistance, isn’t just a buzzword. It represents a breakthrough in plant breeding. The term is used to describe new cultivars like those in the Cora® XDR series that are bred specifically for superior resistance to Phytophthora. Trials show significantly improved survival and performance under high disease pressure. Plus, the improved branching, uniformity and profuse flowers makes it highly sought after.
 

Key Benefits of Vinca XDR Varieties

• Extreme resilience: XDR varieties are engineered for exceptional defense against 10 of the most infectious of Phytophthora nicotianae.
   
• Uniformity and versatility: Delivers consistent flowering and growing habits, ensuring a polished, professional look across beds, borders and containers, also reducing the need for fungicides.
   
• Low maintenance and efficient: With reduced need for chemical inputs and replacement labor, Vinca XDR saves time and resources, helping crews work smarter, not harder.

Upgrade Your Landscape Strategy

Why Switch?

Switching vulnerable varieties with an XDR solution is a smart, sustainable move, leading to a more reliable, season-long performance for both growers and consumers. 

Business Benefits

• Fewer callbacks and replanting costs
• Higher client satisfaction and retention
• A more dependable plant palette for every project

Portfolio Collection Highlight

Cora Cascade XDR Mixture is one of the many improved disease-resistant varieties that can be found in the Portfolio Nursery Collection. This variety is great for containers and borders, available in one-gallon containers at select stores.

Grow Smarter with SiteOne Landscape Supply

When it comes to bedding plants, better genetics mean better landscapes. Upgrading to Vinca XDR ensures long-lasting beauty and reliability that clients notice and crews appreciate. 

Explore the Portfolio Collection Catalog to discover SiteOne’s premium nursery line, curated for professional success with proven, reliable and unique plant varieties.