Vinca Rosea Cultivation

The brilliantly colored flowers of the Madagascar periwinkle, also known as Vinca rosea.

Also known as rose periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus, Vinca rosea) is a flowering member of the dogbane family commonly grown as an annual bedding plant. The flower is characterized by its colorful blooms, which may be pink, red, purple or white. Madagascar periwinkle is low maintenance, and cultivation of the plant is fairly straightforward.

Location

Unsurprisingly, the Madagascar periwinkle is a native of Madagascar. The plant has naturalized in much of the tropical world, as well as parts of the southern United States. The plant may be grown as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11, or as a summertime annual in cooler climates. Grow in a full-sun or partially shaded location. Madagascar periwinkle works well as a bedding plant and may be grown in a container or hanging basket.

Culture

Plant Madagascar periwinkle in a poor, infertile soil that has good drainage. Fertile soils will actually harm the plant, and result in reduced flowering. The plant prefers to be somewhat dry, requiring only the occasional watering during the growing season. Overwatering can quickly lead to rot diseases, which will kill the plant. Madagascar periwinkle has a strong resistance to intense summertime heat, and once established, the flower is quite drought-tolerant.

Disease

Madagascar perwinkle is highly susceptible to rot diseases, and is often thought of as a temporary warm-weather plant for this reason. Blight, canker and dieback are all common diseases that cause severe foliage destruction and wilting. Plants infected with these diseases must be removed and destroyed. Canker and dieback are most common during rainy weather. Blight may often be prevented by spacing plants further apart from each other, which promotes good air circulation.

Warning

Madagascar periwinkle contains a variety of alkaloids, both helpful and toxic. The plant has traditionally been used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes, and extracts have been used to treat various types of cancer. Regardless, the plant is highly poisonous if smoked or ingested, and side effects occur even with a doctor's supervision. The plant may poison grazing animals, and should be kept away from children and pets.

References

• Floridata: Madagascar Periwinkle
• Uniprot: Catharanthus Roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) (Vinca rosea)
• University of Florida: Catharanthus Roseus