The Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant perennial vine that works well in a container. It is native to Madagascar, hence the name, but has naturalized into a very weedy wildflower. However, that fact does not negate its cuteness in the garden. In convoluted logic, it has toxic properties and has been used as a medicinal plant.
Catharanthus Roseus Synonyms
The Madagascar periwinkle is also known by the common names cape periwinkle and “Old Maid”. Botanically, it is Catharanthus roseus, but has been known by these Latin names as well: Vinca rosea, Ammocallis rosea, and Lochnera rosea.
Madagascar Periwinkle Description
Typically grown as an annual bloom, this is indeed meant to be a perennial plant. It grows 2 to 3 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Leaves are glossy and on stiff stems. Flowers have five petals, a tubular shape, and are colored red, purple, white, pink, or rose pink.
Growing the Madagascar Periwinkle
Plant a Catharanthus roseus in well-drained, poor soil with full sun or partial shade. Rich, fertile soils will not make the plant produce better. In fact, they will hinder it. Propagate by cuttings or by seed in USDA hardiness zones of 9 through 11. It is drought tolerant, so after establishing the plant it should not need supplemental watering.
Uses for Madagascar Periwinkle
Madagascar periwinkle makes for a great ground cover or container garden plant. It can be an edging to flower beds and a border plant. Because of its effectiveness in containers, it does nicely in window boxes.
Madagascar Periwinkle as a Medicinal Plant
Catharanthus roseus has been a centuries-old remedy for things like diabetes and asthma. It has also been a folk remedy for high blood pressure, menstruation irregularities, and constipation. Today, there are Madagascar periwinkle extracts. These extras have been used in the treatment of skin cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia. Other cancers, such as lymph cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, have used the extracts as well.
Warnings for Catharanthus Roseus
The plant is poisonous. Those who have used it for a cancer help, even those under a doctor’s care, have reported bad side effects. Ingestion or inhalation of the smoke is toxic.
The Madagascar periwinkle has many uses in the garden, from a border plant to ground cover, or window box plant to edger. The pretty blooms can really brighten up any application. For any water-wise gardener looking for pretty plants to liven up their landscape, the Madagascar periwinkle is a lovely choice for those without cattle or grazing animals.
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
