Does it need full sun?

Yes, it blooms best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

Plant guide

Vinca.

Catharanthus roseus

Pronounced ka-tha-RAN-thus RO-zee-us

Also known as Billygoat Weed, Cape periwinkle, Churchyard Blossom, Madagascar periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, Rose periwinkle, Rosy periwinkle, Cape periwinkle, Old-maid, Pink periwinkle, Madalena Blanco, Old Church Blossom, Old Maids Olleander

This cheerful plant is a favorite for its long blooming season and heat tolerance. It produces simple, five petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple. It thrives in sunny spots and is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 30 to 60 cm
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to first frost

Care

Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings and never let it become waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a continuous display of flowers throughout the season.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back stems to encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit.
Repotting: Repot in spring if the plant becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining, fertile loam
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Tender perennial, often grown as an annual.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten and may cause severe illness.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children as ingestion of any part is dangerous.
Contact allergens: The milky sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence of respiratory allergies.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green oval leaves
Five petaled pinwheel shaped flowers
Upright or trailing growth habit
Contrasting center eye on flowers

Height: 0.2 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.5m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: pink, white, lavender, red, 3 to 5cm
Fruit: brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

PhytophthoraCommon
Root RotCommon
Stem RotCommon
AphidsUncommon
Botrytis BlightUncommon

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors to a sunny window before the first frost. Keep the soil slightly drier during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in pots, provided the container has excellent drainage.

Seed

Sow seeds indoors 10 weeks before the last frost.
Cover lightly with soil as they need darkness to germinate.
Maintain warmth at 24 Celsius.

Plant in well draining soil to prevent fungal issues.

Grows well with

Sweet Alyssum · They share similar sun and water requirements.
Zinnia · They provide a vibrant, heat loving display together.

Similar species

Vinca minor · It is a hardy, shade loving ground cover often confused with this plant.

Science

Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Order: Gentianales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Madagascar
Conservation: It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although some wild populations in its native Madagascar are affected by habitat loss.

It grows in tropical scrublands where it tolerates poor, dry soils.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: butterflies, bees
Uses: bedding plant, container plant, ground cover

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 4/9
Light: 7/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it blooms best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

Where the name comes from

The name Catharanthus comes from Greek words meaning pure flower. Roseus refers to its typical pink color.

Good to know

It is often called Madagascar periwinkle.
It thrives in hot, humid weather.
It is a popular choice for low maintenance summer gardens.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.