Major Robs Gem, also known as Greater Periwinkle or Blue Buttons, is a trailing foliage plant native to Eurasia. This variety offers glossy green and cream leaves with a trailing habit of 6-12" tall and 12-24" wide. Tiny blue flowers bloom from May-June, although this plant's foliage is its most prized characteristic. Perennial in zone 7-10, Vinca Major excels in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, landscape beds, or as a groundcover in full or partial sun. For a hardier variety, grow Vinca Minor Illumination.
Major Robs Gem Selling Tips
Sell Major Robs Gem to customers looking for a low-maintenance groundcover or trailing plant for a mixed container. This plant offers many benefits, including a trailing habit, variegated foliage, cold-hardiness to zone 7, and small periwinkle flowers. Create a striking combination in a container, window box, or landscape bed by growing this plant alongside Geranium, Dragon Wing Begonia, Melampodium, Euphorbia, and Petunia.
Coach Your Customer
1. Space plants 12-18" apart in well-drained soil in full or partial sun.
2. Water once a week or more often in drought.
3. In cold climates, remove debris after frost and replace plants in the spring.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Major Robs Gem, plant one rooted liner per 4-inch container or two to three per 6-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-5.8, temperatures of 65-72 daytime and 60-65 nighttime, and moderate feed (200 ppm N). Pinch once and don't use PGRs. Watch out for aphids, nematodes, and root rot.
Flowering
Tiny blue flowers bloom in spring.
Pinching
Pinch once.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant.
Height Control
This plant doesn't require PGRs.
Pests
You may see aphids and nematodes.
Disease
This plant isn't prone to disease, but root rot can develop in overly wet conditions. Take these precautions in your greenhouse to prevent infection.
1. Water at the base of each plant in the morning and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
2. Provide good airflow in your greenhouse. We recommend using horizontal airflow fans.
3. Space containers to allow sunlight and air to penetrate to the soil level of each plant.
Planting Major Robs Gem Liners
We recommend planting one rooted plug per 4-inch container or two to three per 6-inch container. Evenly space or center the plugs in the pot and completely bury the ellepot.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Vinca Vine Major Robs Gem Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6-7 Weeks |
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| Bloom Period | Spring |
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| Color | Blue |
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| Habit | Trailing |
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| Height | 6-12 inches |
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| Light | Full Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | Zones 7-10 |
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| Water Needs | Light |
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| Patented Plant | Yes |
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