Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)

Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial or small subshrub in the Apocynaceae family native to Madagascar. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall, with glossy green leaves and a compact, branching habit. Numerous cultivars produce abundant five-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, rose, red, lavender, purple, and combinations with contrasting centers. In warm climates plants may flower nearly year-round, while in cooler regions they are widely grown as summer annuals.

Catharanthus roseus grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with moderate watering and good tolerance of heat and drought once established. It is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11 and can be grown as a container plant or annual in colder climates. All parts of the plant contain biologically active alkaloids and should not be consumed. The species has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is also the natural source of the important anticancer alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, which led to the development of major chemotherapy drugs. Its exceptionally long flowering season, heat tolerance, and wide range of flower colors have made Madagascar Periwinkle one of the most widely grown flowering plants for warm-climate gardens and containers.