Melinda Myers

Rose Periwinkle

Botanical Name

Catharanthus roseus

Hardiness

Zones 9 to 11, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

8 to 18 inches

Width

8 to 12 inches

Flowers

Summer till frost: white, pink, rose, red, rose-purple, bicolor

Light

Full to part sun

Soil

Well-drained

Planting & Care

• Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart
• Tolerant of heat and drought, but not wet soil
• Can be overwintered indoors. Take 3 to 4 cuttings and root in moist vermiculite or a well-drained potting mix. I find setting the pot in a plastic bag left open increases the humidity to encourage rooting without leading to rot. Once rooted, they can be moved to their permanent container, placed in a sunny location and grow as a houseplant.
• You can also bring the whole plant indoors and raise it like a houseplant. Grow in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights and keep the soil moist. Don't be alarmed if the plant drops most of its leaves. It will soon send out new leaves more suited for its indoor location.

Problems

Rot in excessively wet soils

Varieties

• Pretty in Pink & Pretty in Rose - 1991 AAS winners, early bloomers
• Parasol - 6-8", vigorous, upright with red eye, 1991 AAS winner
• Cooler Series - compact and branching
• Jaio Scarlet Eye - vibrant scarlet rose