Madagascar Periwinkle: Abundant Star Flowers in Hot, Bright Spots

Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus

This shrubby plant has upright stems with shiny, dark-green oval leaves (prominent light-green midribs). Small (1-inch) star-shaped flowers — typically pink with deep-pink throats, also white or pale lavender — cover the plant from summer through fall if given enough light.

Simple Care for Heavy Blooms

Sun Is Essential

Bright light with some direct sun. Insufficient light = tall, leggy growth with few blooms.

Repot When Needed

Vigorous grower. Repot in spring when pot-bound, moving up one size.

Quick Reference: Periwinkle Care

• Origin: Madagascar
• Height: 10 in (25 cm)
• Light: Bright with some direct sun
• Water: Evenly moist; drainage holes essential
• Humidity: Moderate. Below 50%, mist foliage and use pebble tray.
• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• Soil: Fast-draining mix (all-purpose + perlite)
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid every 2 weeks during growth/bloom, diluted by half
• Propagation: Seeds indoors late winter/early spring. 3-inch stem tip cuttings spring/early summer in moist mix.