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Madagascar Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseusfam. Apocynaceae
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Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3FF2 — Catharanthus roseus
Catharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseusCatharanthus roseus
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Overview

Madagascar Periwinkle, scientifically known as Catharanthus roseus, is a perennial plant native to Madagascar. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.7 meters tall and is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for subtropical climates. Madagascar Periwinkle is valued both for its ornamental appeal and medicinal properties. The leaves are edible and can be used in culinary dishes, adding a unique flavor to green vegetables. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used for various purposes, though caution is advised when using it medicinally due to its potential side effects. Its dual role as an ornamental and medicinal plant makes Madagascar Periwinkle a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. The plant has been introduced into numerous regions, including Alabama, Andaman Islands, Angola, and many others, expanding its presence globally.

Quick answers

What is Madagascar Periwinkle?

Madagascar Periwinkle, scientifically known as Catharanthus roseus, is a perennial plant native to Madagascar. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

Compare with:Greigia sphacelata→Sand apricot-vine→Guinea gumvine→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Historically used for calming effects.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Madagascar Periwinkle thrives in full to partial sun, requiring moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for warm climates. This perennial can grow up to 0.7 meters tall and is ideal for gardens where it can receive ample sunlight. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or stem cuttings. The edible parts, particularly the leaves, can be harvested for culinary or medicinal use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.7 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Madagascar Periwinkle for the first time

7steps

Start with Madagascar Periwinkle as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers, and water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or directly sow in warm weather. Transplant outdoors when plants are about 5 cm (2 inches) tall.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist and place in a sunny spot, ensuring it receives full to partial sun daily.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced plant food.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and remove dead leaves as needed.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Animal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 115 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 1 native· 115 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)CyprusItalyPortugalSpain
Asia10 regions
introduced (10)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaMaldivesMyanmarPhilippinesTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas14 regions
introduced (14)BahamasBelizeCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPuerto RicoUnited States
Africa23 regions
native (1)Madagascar
introduced (22)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaKenyaMauritiusMozambiqueSenegalSeychellesSierra LeoneTanzaniaTogoTunisiaUganda
Oceania5 regions
introduced (5)FijiNauruNew CaledoniaSamoaTonga
Broader regions
introduced:Alabama, Aldabra, Andaman Is., Argentina Northeast, Aruba, Ascension, Borneo, California, Cape Provinces, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central American Pac, Chagos Archipelago, Christmas I., Cook Is., East Himalaya, Easter Is., Florida, Galápagos, Gilbert Is., Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Kazan-retto, Kermadec Is., Kriti, Laccadive Is., Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Marianas, Marquesas, Marshall Is., Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mozambique Channel I, Netherlands Antilles, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Niue, Ogasawara-shoto, Panamá, Phoenix Is., Queensland, Réunion, Rodrigues, Society Is., South China Sea, Southwest Caribbean, St.Helena, Sumatera, Tokelau-Manihiki, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Turks-Caicos Is., Wake I., Windward Is., Zaïre
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) — botanical photograph
Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
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See also

3 related

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same family · Apocynaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
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Growing zone
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