Madagascar periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus · Apocynaceae
📷 Joydeep · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around madagascar periwinkle and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Catharanthus roseus
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowering
- May to October (long flowering period)
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Not hardy, frost-sensitive (grow as annual or bring indoors in winter)
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement sans laisser sécher complètement entre deux, mais surtout sans créer de stagnation : c'est le piège classique qui pourrit les racines. En pot, laisse les premiers centimètres du substrat sécher entre les arrosages. En pleine terre bien préparée, une fois établie, elle tolérera les oublis mieux qu'on ne le croit.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers la tuent en la surprotégeant : trop d'arrosage, trop d'engrais, et le pire, en la rentrant à l'intérieur sans vraie lumière vive. Elle ne demande pas des soins intensifs, elle demande de la chaleur et de la luminosité.
The pro's trick
Pince les jeunes tiges dès 15 cm pour forcer la ramification et obtenir une plante compact et fleurie, pas un tige filiforme. Fais-le une fois : elle explosera en branches florifères. Et la deadheader (enlever les fleurs fanées) c'est optionnel, mais ça accélère la floraison.
Seasonal watch
En automne, dès que les températures chutent sous 15°C, elle ralentit drastiquement et devient très sensible aux pourritures fongiques : réduis l'arrosage à presque rien. En hiver à l'intérieur, elle mange des araignées rouges en air sec : brumise le feuillage ou isole-la de tout chauffage direct.
Care
Light and exposure
Place your periwinkle in a very sunny location, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Choose a warm spot protected from cold winds that can weaken its vigor.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing and flowering periods, without allowing water to stagnate. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter if the plant is kept indoors.
Soil and drainage
Use well-draining, light, and organic-rich soil. A mix of universal potting soil with added perlite or sand works perfectly. The plant hates waterlogged conditions that cause rot.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing and flowering periods (May to September). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter. Light feeding is sufficient; over-fertilizing harms flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back the tips of young plants in spring to encourage a fuller shape and better branching. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to stimulate new bloom production.
Pests and diseases
Watch for whiteflies and spider mites, especially indoors. Powdery mildew can appear in humid environments. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage if problems arise.
Did you know?
Madagascar periwinkle is far more than just an ornamental flower: it contains alkaloids used in the manufacture of certain cancer treatments, discovered during scientific research in phytotherapy. Used traditionally in Malagasy medicine for centuries, it has revolutionized modern medicine through these remarkable properties.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Lesser periwinkleVinca minor
- Greater periwinkleVinca major
- OleanderNerium oleander
- Asiatic jasmineTrachelospermum asiaticum
- Star jasmineTrachelospermum jasminoides
- AmatunguluCarissa macrocarpa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.