How to Grow Catharanthus Roseus
The catharanthus roseus, also known as periwinkle, is an annual flower that easily moves indoors as a houseplant and continues to bloom throughout the colder months. The foliage is green and glossy and the flowers are shades of white, pink and a rosy shade of periwinkle. The center of the bloom is always a different shade than the five petals of the flowers; the color variation can range from almost identical to two totally different colors. An easy plant to grow, it is non-invasive and resistant to deer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant catharanthus roseus after the last spring frost. You can purchase seedlings at garden centers or start seeds indoors three to four weeks before the last spring frost. In climates with a long growing season, you may also start the seeds outdoors.
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Choose a location for the plants. Plant in either full sun or partial shade; it does well in dry and infertile soil.
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Plant at least 2 feet apart to accommodate spreading. Wet the ground thoroughly once planted. Although the plant is drought resistant, keep the ground around it moist until well established, approximately one to two weeks. Provide water only when the plant wilts, once established. Too much moisture can cause the plants to rot.
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Fertilize by using whatever method you choose, or not at all. A hardy plant, periwinkle does not require regular fertilization to grow, but will not react adversely if you are fertilizing the rest of your garden.
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Pinch back long stems midseason to keep the plant neat. Accomplish this by placing your thumb and forefinger between the bloom and the leaves and pinching to break off the stem. Deadheading by removing old blooms will not cause more growth to occur as it does with some plants.
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