Catharanthus

( kath - ah - RAN - thus )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Vinca or Madagascar Periwinkle. these annual and perennial plants are mostly endemic to Madagascar, but have naturalized in many places around the globe. They are herbaceous, typically low-growing flowering shrublets with green foliage and 5-petaled flowers in a range of colors (pink, red, lilac, and white), commonly with differently-colored centers. There are both upright and more cascading varieties. Use Madagascar Periwinkle in mixed beds and borders, in containers or hanging baskets, along pathways, or simply to add pops of color and floral interest to garden spaces.

Catharanthus species and Varietals

The genus Catharanthus is a member of the Dogbane plant family (Apocynaceae) and includes 8 species. The genus name Catharanthus is derived from the Ancient Greek word for 'pure flower'. Vinca grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, H1 and H2, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Catharanthus coriaceus 
This rare species of Vinca is endemic to Madagascar where it grows in grasslands and woods in protected spots. These plants reach about 16 inches tall at maturity and produce flowers that range in color from white to pinkish purple. They plants have a very small natural range, and are at risk for becoming extinct in their native area. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Catharanthus lanceus (Lanceleaf Periwinkle)
These perennial plants produce fragrant flowers that can be white, pink, purple or magenta. These plants prefer to grow in open areas in ashy or volcanic soils. This species is endemic to Madagascar. Lanceleaf Periwinkle up to over 3 feet tall when mature and in bloom.

Catharanthus longifolius
​Endemic to Madagascar, this perennial species produces long, thin lance-shaped green foliage and flowers with petals that do not overlap. Blooms are generally white to pink with lighter centers and bloom in spring and summertime. These plants can become woody over time, and stems can reach up to between 16 and 60 inches long. Individual plants reach up to 5 feet tall when mature.

Catharanthus pusillus (Tiny Periwinkle)
These flowering plants are native to India and Sri Lanka, and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. They produce flowers much smaller than those of other species in the Catharanthus genus. Individual plants reach up to 8 inches tall. Blooms are white, and leaves are herbaceous and green. This species is invasive in various tropical and subtropical regions around the globe, including in parts of Australia and Africa.
Catharanthus roseus (Bright Eyes, Cape Periwinkle, Graveyard Plant, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Pink Periwinkle, Red Periwinkle, Annual Vinca, Running Myrtle)
​Commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle or Vinca (Vinca rosea), this flowering perennial is usually grown as an annual, and needs full sun to partial shade and moderate water. These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 as a perennial or in any zone as an annual. Reaching 1-2 feet tall and about as wide, it comes in trailing and mounding forms, and flowers from summer through fall. Flowers come in white, white with rose or red eyes, apricot, cherry, pink and rose. In frost-free areas, it can be treated as a perennial. Madagascar Periwinkle is invasive in Australia, Kenya, and California. These plants are native to Madagascar, and many ornamental varieties have been developed over the years, including:
'Apricot Cooler Improved'
To 10-12 inches tall with apricot-colored blooms with darker centers.
'Blue Pearl'
To 8-12 inches tall with bluish pink blooms.
'Cascade Beauty White'
​A great spiller plant for containers with pure white blooms. To 16 inches tall and 25 inches wide.
'Cooler Icy Pink'
​Great, compact plant with heat and drought tolerance and light pink flowers with rosey centers.
'Cooler Peppermint'
This cultivar has white flowers with reddish-pink central eyes. To 12-18 in. tall.
'Cooler Raspberry Red'
12-18 inches tall with deep wine-red blooms that have white centers.
'Cora Apricot'
To 14 inches tall and 24 inches wide, this trailing type is great for containers.
'Cora Cascade Cherry'
Trailing habit with cherry red flowers with white eyes.
'Cora Cascade Lilac'
Profuse lilac-pink flowers on a trailing plant to 16 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Good disease resistance.
'Cora Cascade Strawberry'
A trailing variety with bicolored pink blooms with dark centers.
'Cora Red'
​To 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide, with bright red flowers with white eyes.
'Jams n' Jellies Blackberry'
To 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide, with dark maroon-purple flowers with white eyes.
'Jams n' Jellies Blueberry'
To 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide, with blue-purple blooms.
'Mediterranean Lilac'
To 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide, this trailing plant produces bright magenta-pink blossoms.
'Mediterranean Burgundy Halo'
​A trailing variety with burgundy flowers that have large central white eyes.
'Mediterranean Rose Halo'
​​A trailing variety with rose-pink flowers that have large central white eyes.
'Nirvana Pink Blush'
With light pink flowers that have central magenta blushing.
'Nirvana Red'
These pinkish red flowers have white central eyes.
'Pacifica White'
12 inches tall and just as wide; flowers are white with cream-colored centers.
'Titan Icy Pink'
​With light blue-pink flowers that have central dark pink blushing and white eyes.

Catharanthus trichophyllus (Sadabahar, Baramasi)
These plants are endemic to northern Madagascar, and reaches up to three and a half feet tall at maturity. These plants form semi-upright shrubs with reddish-purple, squared stems and branches. Flowers bloom singly or in pairs at leaf axils, and can be pink, red, purple, or white with yellow centers. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 as a perennial.

Caring for Catharanthus

These flowers will self-sow wherever they are grown, though some of the modern hybrids are sterile and will not have this issue. Make sure that this tendency will not be an issue where they are planted in the landscape. All species of Madagascar Periwinkle will bloom in the first year when grown from seed, and can be sown early indoors or in a greenhouse. Starter plants can also be purchased at most nurseries. Plant Madagascar Periwinkle flowers in a spot in the landscape that receives between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day. In warmer climates, they can benefit from some late afternoon filtered shade to avoid foliage sunburn. If these flowers are grown in too shaded of a space, they will become leggy and not flower well. They require good drainage and do not react well to overwatering; ensure that soil is well-draining before installing plants. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting Madagascar Periwinkle, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold.

Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistently moist soil around their roots, but will develop problems like root rot if left in standing water for too long. Water deeply once a week, and provide additional supplemental waterings in hot, dry months of the year. Each year in springtime, apply a 2-inch layer of organic compost around the planting area to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient load. This one feeding will be sufficient to carry the plants through their active growing and blooming seasons. Prune plants to control size and shape if necessary; they do not need to be pruned at all for health. Regular deadheading can encourage more blooms to emerge. In many climates, these flowers are grown as annuals, pulled and composted at the end of the growing season and replaced the next spring. In zones where Madagascar Periwinkle can be grown as a perennial plant, they can last for a few years to up to a decade in the garden before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Catharanthus, or Madagascar Periwinkle, can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Catharanthus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch (ideally with at least two leaf nodes) and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Catharanthus by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on Madagascar Periwinkle plants are left behind after flowers have faded, and are light brown to tan in color, containing small black seeds. Cut the seed pods off of the plant and place them in a container or paper bag. This will keep the seeds contained as you harvest more flowers. Once at a  clean workspace, separate the seeds from the plant parts. They are very tiny, so take care when handling them.
  3. In late summertime or early springtime (3-4 months before the last frost of your area), water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
The seed pods on Madagascar Periwinkle plants are typically light in color and elongated.
The black seeds of Catharanthus plants are very tiny.

Problems and Pests

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are known in some regions to be invasive, displacing native plants and spreading aggressively through self-sowing. Check with local authorities before planting.

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus) plants are susceptible to developing problems with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
  • Gray Mold
  • Blight
  • Stem or Root Rot
  • Leaf Spot
  • Yellows
  • Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV)
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to prevent and treat them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Madagascar Periwinkle provides a frontage plant in this raised brick planter that also features Caladium and Oxalis. 
Catharanthus plants do well in mixed beds, planted here with Daylilies.
Madagascar Periwinkle plants are often planted en masse for a colorful effect.
Commonly grown in planters, many cultivars have a trailing habit.
This plant brings some color and interest to a bare bed corner.
Here, Catharanthus is planted alongside Marigold and Angelonia, as well as a Southern Sword Fern.
This planter features a Cordyline in the center, surrounded by Catharanthus 'Cooler Peppermint' and Geranium.
This front garden space is made brighter with the flowers of this upright Madagascar Periwinkle.
Catharanthus are popular hanging basket plants, and are easy to care for.
These plants are popular underplantings for trees, as their root systems are not invasive.
This interesting planter features Leek with 'Cooler Peppermint' Madagascar Periwinkle.
The bright blooms of these plants will attract pollinators like butterflies to the garden.

Videos

All about planting these popular garden ornamentals.
How to identify these flowering plants.
A good pruning has the potential to save these plants.

Resources

How to Grow and Care for Madagascar Periwinkle Flowers (Catharanthus roseus)
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Madagascar Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)
Wikipedia: Catharanthus
Vinca, Annual (Catharanthus) Plant Health Problems
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 225 - 226, Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)