Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): Heat-Loving Annual with Glossy Blooms

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also called rose periwinkle, cayenne jasmine, old maid, or vinca, is a tough, heat- and drought-tolerant annual (perennial in zones 10–11) with glossy, dark green leaves and five-petaled flowers in pink, white, red, purple, and bicolors from spring to frost.

Features

Forms a neat mound 12–18 inches tall and wide. The flowers are self-cleaning. It thrives in conditions that defeat many other annuals. Important medicinal plant (source of vincristine and vinblastine).

Culture

Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly. Excellent in beds, borders, containers, and as a ground cover.

Taxonomy

• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Catharanthus
• Species: roseus
• Synonym: Vinca rosea