A tender perennial native to Madagascar, most often grown as an annual, Catharanthus roseus has attractive, glossy foliage and a bushy form that is covered by phlox-like flowers from summer to first frost. It is a very popular bedding plant and works in containers as well. Many cultivars are vividly colored, but ‘Peach’ has subtle pale pink-peach flowers with a darker eye.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsPeachy, five-petaled flowers on a bushy, glossy-leaved perennial, typically grown as an annual. All parts of the plant can cause severe discomfort if ingested.
CareGrow in well-drained soil of moderate fertility in full sun or partial shade. To insure good flower production, do not overwater or overfertilize. Indoors, grow in full light with good ventilation. Water sparingly in winter.
PropagationSow seed in early spring at 55° to 64°F. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer or softwood cuttings in late spring.
ProblemsAerial blights, stem rot, leaf spots, aster yellows, and tomato spotted wilt virus can occur, while dodder is common in certain regions. If grown under glass, spider mites and whiteflies may be problematic.
- Genus : Catharanthus
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Fall, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Flower Color : Pink
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
