Blue Vinca

Catharanthus roseus, often called Madagascar periwinkle, is a tender perennial herb or subshrub grown for glossy foliage and five-petaled flowers. The species produces pink or white flowers, while cultivated selections also show mauve or purple tones. [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77880-1/general-information) describes the species’ native range and growth form, and [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/catharanthus-roseus/common-name/annual-vinca/) documents its flower colors, siting, and hardiness. ## Foliage and flowers Opposite leaves are glossy and dark green. Flowers have five spreading lobes around a tubular center and can continue through summer into fall in warm conditions. The species is native to Madagascar and is widely grown as bedding or in containers; it is frost-tender outside warm climates. ## Siting Provide full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important, and watering should be adjusted to avoid persistently wet roots. In USDA Zones 10–11 it can grow as a perennial; in colder zones it is commonly grown as a seasonal annual or protected from frost. ## Maintenance Avoid overwatering and remove spent flowers if desired. The plant contains potent alkaloids, so keep it away from consumption by people or animals. Growth and flowering season depend on climate and the selected cultivar.