Madagascar Periwinkle

(Catharanthus roseus)

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant native to a variety of habitats in Madagascar, including dry forests, woodlands, and grassy plains. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-2 feet. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and produces flowers that are most commonly pink, but can also be white, red, or purple. The blooms are quite showy and appear throughout the year in tropical conditions, and from spring to late autumn in warm temperate climates. Madagascar Periwinkle is valued for its long flowering period and its ability to withstand dry and nutrient-poor conditions.

Madagascar Periwinkle is widely cultivated for its ornamental flowers and is used in subtropical gardens where temperatures do not fall below 5–7 °C (41–45 °F), as well as a warm-season bedding plant in temperate gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types and drainage speeds but performs best with medium water availability. Notable cultivars include ’Albus’ with white flowers, ’Grape Cooler’ with rose-pink flowers and cool-temperature tolerance, the Ocellatus Group featuring various colors, and ’Peppermint Cooler’ with white flowers and a red center, also cool-tolerant. While it is often found growing along roadsides in the southern United States, where it is sometimes still referred to as "Vinca," it is important to note that Catharanthus roseus can be invasive in some regions, such as California, and should be planted with caution outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats in Madagascar, including dry forests, woodlands, and grassy plains

Other Names

Common Names: Old-Maid , Old-Maid-Flower , Bright Eyes , Graveyard Plant , Old Maid , Graveyardplant , Rose Periwinkle , Bright-Eyes , Cape Periwinkle , Pink Periwinkle

Scientific Names: Catharanthus roseus , Vinca rosea , Lochnera rosea , Catharanthus roseus var. albus , Ammocallis rosea , Vinca rosea var. alba , Lochnera rosea var. alba , Lachnea rosea , Lochnera rosea f. alba , Lochnera rosea var. flava

GBIF Accepted Name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don