Care of the plant Catharanthus roseus or Madagascar periwinkle |
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The genus Catharanthus, family Apocynaceae, includes 8 species of herbaceous plants native to Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. Some species are: Catharanthus roseus, Catharanthus ovalis, Catharanthus trichophyllus, Catharanthus coriaceus, Catharanthus longifolius. Common names: Bright eyes, Cape periwinkle, Graveyard plant, Madagascar periwinkle, Old maid, Pink periwinkle or Rose periwinkle. They are perennial herbaceous plants with erect stems that reach 40 cm (1.31 feet) in height. The leaves are elliptical-lanceolate in shape and bright green. The showy 5-petal flowers can be white, pink, mauve, red, or various colors. They bloom in summer. They are used as annuals in flower beds, borders, in light undergrowths and in pots for balconies, windows, patios and terraces. Catharanthus roseus prefers a semi-shadow or muted light exposure. It does not resist frost. The soil can be normal garden soil with plenty of humus and a little leaf mulch and coarse sand. Fertilize every 15 days in spring with mineral fertilizer. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in a glass seedbed. |
Images of the plant Catharanthus roseus or Madagascar periwinkle |
 Catharanthus roseus  Catharanthus roseus  Catharanthus roseus  Catharanthus roseus  Catharanthus roseus |