This perennial has upright slender fleshy stems that form a rounded bushy habit. It has glossy green oblong leaves and the soft pink trumpet-shaped flowers are tinged with red and appear in a cluster from spring to autumn.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Catharanthus roseus is naturally found from tropical Africa to Madagascar growing in well drained, fertile moist rich soils in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Madagascar Periwinkle is asmall sub-shrub that is grown for its bushy habit and flowers. It is mass planted for bedding displays or used as an understory plant for a tropical effect. It is also grown in patio pots and tubs for colour and is fast growing and establishes in one season.ID 580

Note:
All parts of the plant contain alkaloids that have been used in the treatment of leukemia.

Catharanthus(kă-tha-RĂN-thus) roseus(ro-SEE-us)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)