Madagascar periwinkle Catharanthus roseus
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an annual flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, native to Madagascar. It grows 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall and 25–50 cm (10–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Madagascar periwinkle at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 20–60 cm (8–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–50 cm (10–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–10 weeks after planting, for 17–29 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Madagascar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
| Invasive in | South Africa (NEMBA 1b), Australia (naturalised): check local rules before planting |
Is Madagascar periwinkle toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, leaves, seeds
Contains vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine); ingestion can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, nerve and bone-marrow effects, and the plant is toxic to pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Madagascar periwinkle
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Madagascar periwinkle in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (30 plants)
Questions about Madagascar periwinkle
- How far apart should I plant Madagascar periwinkle?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–50 cm (10–20 in).
- Does Madagascar periwinkle need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Madagascar periwinkle need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Madagascar periwinkle?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Madagascar periwinkle flower?
- About 6–10 weeks after planting, for 17–29 weeks.
- Is Madagascar periwinkle poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine); ingestion can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, nerve and bone-marrow effects, and the plant is toxic to pets.
- What grows well with Madagascar periwinkle?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Madagascar periwinkle. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Short-lived evergreen perennial in the tropics, grown as an annual elsewhere; counted from transplant. Hates wet soil and cool nights. Poisonous: keep from children and pets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Frangipani (plumeria) Plumeria rubra
- Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa
- Star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides
- Mandevilla Mandevilla sanderi
- Lesser periwinkle Vinca minor
- Jelutong Dyera costulata
- Madagascar palm Pachypodium lamerei