Vinca - Cora Series (Catharanthus roseus)

Binomial name

Catharanthus roseus

Common names

Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca, Cayenne Jasmine

Description

Catharanthus roseus is a popular, drought-tolerant, flowering plant native to Madagascar. Known for its vibrant blooms, it produces large, colorful flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, often with darker central eyes. The plant grows as a low, bushy shrub and is used widely in landscaping for its ornamental value. Beyond its beauty, it also has medicinal properties, as compounds extracted from its leaves and flowers are used in chemotherapy treatments for certain types of cancer. It thrives in warm climates and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical gardens, where it can be grown as both a ground cover and a container plant.

Light requirements

Catharanthus roseus thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it performs best when exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in areas with hot, dry conditions. The plant will produce more flowers when it gets ample sunlight.

Soil preferences, including pH and drainage

This plant prefers well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). It is adaptable to a variety of soil types and is known for thriving in less fertile, dry soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or in container gardening.

Water needs

While Catharanthus roseus is drought-tolerant once established, it does best with moderate watering during dry periods. It should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. During the growing season, water regularly, but reduce watering during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows.