Cora vinca took the gardening world by storm when it made its debut a couple of years ago and now it is even better in 2010 with the addition of the five trailing selections called Cora Cascade.

The colors available this spring are Polka Dot, Magenta, Cherry, Peach Blush and Lilac. There is also a very enticing mix that you may want to try.

The vinca or Madagascar periwinkle was at the pinnacle of popularity in the 1980s but then a disease called aerial phytophthora showed up making gardeners go elsewhere for flower power. Cora’s disease resistance and absolute rugged summer performance changed this, putting the joy back into the periwinkle.

Cora Cascade has that same dependable performance coupled with a habit that is sensational in the landscape reaching about 6 inches in height and spreading close to 3 feet. It is incredible in baskets, mixed containers or window boxes where a virtual carpet of flowers will gently tumble over the edge.

Even though the Cora and Cora Cascade vincas are disease resistant, there is no use planting too early. Wait until the soil has warmed and the plant is able to expand out of its rootball with vigor.

They are really easy to grow, sunlight and fertile well drained soil will give you the green thumb and make your neighbors think that you spent extensive hours in specialized gardening classes.

Pay close attention to planting depth. Planting individual plants too deeply exposes the roots and stems to unfavorable growing conditions. Add a good layer of mulch after planting to stabilize soil temperatures and prevent rapid loss of moisture through evaporation. Mulch also will deter weeds from growing and competing for nutrients and water. Once established, the Cora Cascade vinca will tolerate droughts, so don’t overwater.

While people may suffer from the heat and will want to go indoors later this summer, these troopers will ensure beautiful beds. With the low growing habit and spread you’ll want to consider them as ground cover type flowers for the front of the border.

Their colorful flowers, coupled with semi-glossy leaves, lets them work with ease in a tropical style garden. Use them in front of bananas or upright elephant ears. For a truly exceptional layered look plant in front of pentas with equally colorful flowers and let the bold tropical foliage serves as the backdrop.

The truth is they will work in any setting from cottage gardens to modern landscapes. A bold drift of Cora Cascade Lilac or Cherry in front of New Gold lantana will give you a tough-as-nails combination from early summer through frost.

Their vigor, spread and flower power give them the ability to stand alone in decorative containers but stunning partnerships can be created here as well.

Try using colorful foliage, Electric Lime coleus, Ellen sanchezia, Black Varnish pseuderanthemum and Gold Edge duranta are just a few that will contrast in dramatic fashion.

Winter may be trying to keep its grip but spring is coming. If you are looking for flowers that are beautiful, tough and will bloom all summer then put Cora and the new Cora Cascade vincas on the top of your list.