Catharanthus, Rose Periwinkle, Cayenne Jasmine, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Vinca 'Pacifica Polka Dot'

Catharanthusroseus

Family
Apocynaceae (a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)
Genus
Catharanthus (kat-uh-RANTH-us)
Species
roseus (RO-zee-us)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Smooth
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Sacramento, California

Clearwater, Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

Lakeland, Florida

Braselton, Georgia

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Richmond, Texas

Uvalde, Texas

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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V
(Zone 8a) | June 2007 | positive

Common, yes, but add so much cheer to the garden. I treat them as annuals, use them in patio pots, and water sparingly as they are susce...Read More

B
Braselton, GA (Zone 8a) | July 2006 | positive

In my experience, w/o a doubt Vincas are THE EASIEST annual to grow in hot, dry or sunny areas. This plant is absolutely care-free w/ no ...Read More

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