Meet the Catharanthus roseus, a delightful little plant that's as mysterious as it is beautiful. Known by many names including 'Madagascar periwinkle', 'Old maid', and 'Rose periwinkle', this plant is a true gem of the garden, attracting colorful butterflies and pollinating insects alike.
Catharanthus roseus
Dappled To Full Sun
Flexible for areas with filtered light or plenty of sunshine.
High Water Needs
Requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil but doesn't tolerate standing water. Needs regular attention and good drainage. Best suited for dedicated indoor gardeners or outdoor spaces with intensive care.
Adaptable to Clay, Sand, Silt Loam
Thrives in clay, sand, and silt loam soils, showing great adaptability to different soil textures. Needs frequent watering. Requires good soil drainage.
Acidic Soil Requirement
Prefers acidic soil conditions (pH < 6.5), may require soil amendments to maintain pH.
Severe Safety Risks
Can be fatal if ingested, extremely dangerous. Can be fatal if ingested.
Safe for All Animals
No known safety risks to pets or livestock.
60%
Adaptability Score
60%
Safety Score
About Catharanthus roseus
The Catharanthus roseus is a compact plant, standing at a height of 0.5 to 1.5 feet and spreading about 0.6 to 0.8 feet wide. Its lime-colored leaves provide a stunning contrast to its vibrant flowers, which come in shades of canary, blush, violet, and snowy white. These flowers bloom during the harvest time and hot weather period, adding a splash of color to your garden when you need it most.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Catharanthus roseus is a tough little plant. It's known as an 'ephemeral plant', which means it has the ability to survive and thrive in challenging conditions.
Also known as
Bright-eyes
Cape periwinkle
Churchyard Blossom
Graveyardplant
Madagascar periwinkle
Madalena Blanco
Old Church Blossom
Old Maids Olleander
Old maid
Old-maid
Old-maid-flower
Periwinkle
Pink periwinkle
Red periwinkle
Rose periwinkle
Rosy periwinkle
Our design recommendations
The Catharanthus roseus is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs. Its compact size makes it perfect for urns or verandas, while its vibrant flowers make it a great choice for a mini-garden or trail. It's also a 'carpeting plant', which means it can cover large areas with its beautiful blooms. The Catharanthus roseus is a flexible plant that can thrive in a variety of locations. It can be planted in urns, on verandas, in recreation spaces, mini-gardens, or along trails. Wherever you choose to plant it, it's sure to add a touch of charm and color.