Madagascar Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
Also known as
Cape Periwinkle, Rosy Periwinkle, Old Maid, Bright-Eyes, Graveyardplant, Old-Maid-Flower, Pink Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus24 08 2012 (1) by Joydeep (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1c
RHS hardiness
5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 60cm |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Madagascar Periwinkle
Madagascar Periwinkle Overview
In the wild, the Madagascar periwinkle is an endangered plant (the main cause of decline is habitat destruction by slash and burn agriculture). It is however widely cultivated and is naturalised in subtropical and tropical areas of the world. A water-wise evergreen hardy perennial flourishing in neglected garden areas. This species produces attractive rosy-pink or white flowers measuring approximately 4cm across, with 5 wedge-shaped petals. Madagascar periwinkles make excellent additions to annual beds, or even houseplants.
Common problems with Madagascar Periwinkle
Susceptible to red spider mite and whitefly.
How to harvest Madagascar Periwinkle
Harvest seeds when seed capsules are ripe(brown and dried).
How to propagate Madagascar Periwinkle
Seed
Sow seed in early spring directly in a well prepared flower bed with compost.
Cuttings
Root softwood cuttings in late spring and semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Division
Division from autumn to the spring.
Special features of Madagascar Periwinkle
Drought resistant
Pot plant
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attracts butterflies
Other uses of Madagascar Periwinkle
Ground cover
Medicinal
Roots and shoots, though poisonous, are used against several diseases by Indian healers also used in traditional Chinese medicine against diseases like, diabetes, malaria, and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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