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Madagascar periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

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Madagascar periwinkle · Catharanthus roseus

Five-petalled pink or white flowers bloom continuously and handle heat well.

Care and placement

Needs 4–6+ hours of sun, tolerates heat and drought once established; water at the base without waterlogging; little fertilizer; the WHOLE PLANT IS TOXIC (vinca alkaloids).

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 50 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 40 cm

Things to consider

TOXIC: every part contains vinca alkaloids; ASPCA notes vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, coma and death in dogs, cats and horses; NC State rates it low severity. Wear gloves and wash hands after pruning; never self-medicate with it; keep from children and pets.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in sun in well-drained soil (tolerates poor soil); pots need drainage holes. Sow seed 0.5–1 cm deep; in hot regions sow year-round.

  2. Light

    Full sun to part shade, at least about 4–6 hours of direct sun; limit hot western exposure in extreme heat.

  3. Watering

    Keep adequately watered but not waterlogged; once established it tolerates heat and drought. Overwatering causes root rot; water at the roots and avoid wetting leaves to limit fungal disease.

  4. Feeding

    No extra fertilizer in poor soil; if needed use diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks to monthly. Too much gives lush foliage instead of blooms.

  5. Pruning

    Deadheading is not needed since flowers drop themselves; trim long shoots just above a leaf node for a compact, dense plant; large plants can be sheared lightly.

  6. Propagation

    Sow seed (about 21 °C, germinating in 2–3 weeks) or take 5–8 cm tip cuttings from new growth in late spring to summer, cut just below a node.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Aphids, spider mites and whiteflies; root-knot nematodes, Rhizoctonia root rot, sudden wilt (Spiroplasma citri), blight and Fusarium wilt in prolonged wet conditions. Water at the base and ensure airflow.

  8. For more flowers

    For continuous flowers: enough sun, lean well-drained soil, sparing water, little fertilizer and a light shear when leggy. Five-petalled pink or white flowers open almost year-round in hot places.