Catharanthus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Catharanthus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Catharanthus

Plant Characteristics: Catharanthus stands out with its vibrant flowers and evergreen foliage, making it a striking addition to any garden. Its resilience and adaptability to various climates appeal to gardeners globally.
Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
General Care: Regular watering and occasional fertilizing ensure healthy growth. Pruning is minimal, focusing mainly on removing faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
Tips for New Gardeners: Vinca is suitable for beginners due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. Key strategies include consistent soil moisture and avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.

Annual Vinca: Cultivation & Garden Use

Catharanthus are bushy perennials that are usually grown as half hardy annuals by gardeners.

They are also known by the names of Annual vinca or Madagascar periwinkle.

They reach about 30 to 60cm in height and have flat flowers of white or pink. They make good plants for growing in borders or as container plants.

Madagascar periwinkle picture

Catharanthus picture

Some of the Latin names for Vinca plants and similar include Catharanthus roseus, vinca difformis, v. major variegata, v. minor alba and v. minor periwinkle.

Vinca flower from the Summer on to the first frost of late autumn.

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Catharanthus Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Vinca Rose, Annual Vinca, Sadapphuli, Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle.
Family: Apocynaceae.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial usually grown as a hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Native: Madagascar, India.
Growing Region: Annual: zones 1 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Pink, purple, white. Scented. Flat.
Foliage: Green. Glossy.
Sow Outdoors: 1/4 inch (6mm). Late winter (in warm areas only). Spacing 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).
Sow Indoors: Start indoors unless you live in a warm climate. Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Start 12 to 15 weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost when temperatures do not drop below 40°F (5°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Soil pH 6 to 7. Moist soil. Light spring feed. Regular watering. If growing as a perennial occasionally cut back. Propagate by taking cuttings.

How to Grow the Vinca plant - Catharanthus

If planning to grow vinca plants outdoors then they should be sown in late winter at a depth of 7mm (1/4 inch).

They prefer to grow in moist soils with a pH of 6 to 7, in partially shaded or sunny areas of the garden.

If you plan to grow Catharanthus indoors then they should be germinated in the dark with a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (70 to 75°F); this takes from two to three weeks.

Catharanthus seedlings should be allowed to grow for about 15 weeks before you plant them outdoors in mid-spring about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) apart.

Caring for Annual Vinca

The Annual vinca plants will require a light application of fertiliser in the spring and regular watering.

If you require more plants then allow them to self seed, or you may prefer to take cuttings.

Common Questions

How many members does the Catharanthus genus have?

The Catharanthus genus contains about 8 species.

Do members of Catharanthus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) is a popular choice for its lovely, long-lasting flowers and heat tolerance.

Which Catharanthus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) is the most commonly grown species, known for its pink or white flowers.

Are members of the Catharanthus plant genus fragrant?

No, Catharanthus flowers are not typically known for having a fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Catharanthus?

Catharanthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also fairly drought-resistant, perfect for hot, dry locations.

Is Catharanthus invasive in the USA?

Currently, Catharanthus is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Catharanthus plants from my garden?

Remove Catharanthus by pulling up the entire plant, making sure to get all the roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Catharanthus genus, part of the Apocynaceae family, is native to Madagascar. The most well-known species is Catharanthus roseus, or the Madagascar periwinkle, recognized for its glossy foliage and charming, five-petaled flowers.

To cultivate Catharanthus, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring after the last frost. Regular watering is necessary, but they can tolerate drought once established. They are often grown as annuals in cooler climates, but can be perennial in warmer zones.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Catharanthus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Apocynaceae growing guides: How to grow Asclepias tuberosa and Vinca plants.

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