FREE: Catharanthus roseus aka Rose Periwinkle, Cayenne Jasmine, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Vinca

The listing, Catharanthus roseus aka Rose Periwinkle, Cayenne Jasmine, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Vinca has ended.

Catharanthus roseus
Rose Periwinkle, Cayenne Jasmine, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Vinca

Semiwoody evergreen perennial, usually grown as an annual in flower beds. In frostfree climates develops a woody stem & can get 2-3' tall & spread as wide. As annuals, they're usually smaller & more prostrate. Doesn't need deadheading - flowers drop off when spent.

Where not hardy, grow in a container or as an annual in summer flower beds. Great in porch planters & window boxes. Thrives in the heat of summer when true periwinkles fade. In frostfree regions this pretty little flower is grown in borders & beds, as an edging plant or ground cover. Very tolerant of hot summers, it is the southern & summertime replacement for true periwinkles.

Zones 9-11

Pt shade/part sun/sun

Germinates in abt a wk temp 70-75F

Water moderately. Relatively drought resistant once established.

More info
http://www.jaycjayc.com/catharanthus-roseus-periwinkle/

These grow wild all over Florida & are very rugged. I think they are an annual, but in my garden they live a very long time. I don't remember ever pulling out spent plants. I pull them out to give away or because they pop up where I don't really want them. They bloom constantly and spread (by seed) quickly.

In my area, it can be considered invasive, but they are easy to pull up & when small, easy just to mow over. Seed pods (3rd pic) form on the stems & look like tiny upright pea pods. Leaves dark green & shiny. Does well in most any soil, even sandy poor, but well drained soil. I have seen them my whole life, but never really appreciated them until I wanted to attract more butterflies. They are not fussy, pretty much taking care of themselves & I just love 'em! They bloom yr round at in central FL. Butterflies love the necture & they reseed easily.

10 pods w/ approx. 20-30 seeds per pod.
7/2012
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