Common name: Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca, Rose Periwinkle, Old Maid
Family: Apocynaceae, Dogbane
Height x width: 6-12" tall x 6-12" wide, species is taller but seldom seen, older cultivars were creeping
Growth rate: moderate to slow
Foliage: leaves opposite, simple, entire, ovate-oblong, glossy, mid to dark green to 2" long with pale midrib
Flowers: salverform (long thin tube, wide and flat at end) 1-2" across; mainly pink, red, white with some with contrasting center or eye; single in upper leaf axils
Hardiness: annual
Soil: well-drained, tolerates dry and poor
Light: full sun, blooms less in part shade
Pests and Problems: occasionally leaf blights, virus but none usually
Landscape habit, uses: fronts of borders, massed, containers, hot and dry sites as near paved areas, pollution as near roads
Other interest: poisonous in causing severe discomfort if ingested; from the Greek words for Pure, without blemish and flowers; native to Madagascar; alkaloids from sap used to retard leukemia
Other culture: performs poorly in cool, wet summers and far north climates unless sited properly
Propagation: generally from seeds, dark to germinate, sensitive to cold and overwatering; stems cuttings easily root from mature plants
Cultivars: those marked * are most common
| Cultivar | flowers | other |
| ‘Apricot Delight’ | pinkish, reddish centers | |
| *Cooler series | pastel to deep pink, white | compact |
| Pacifica series | lilac, pink, red, white | basal branched |
| *‘Parasol’ | white, rose eyes, to 2" | AAS winner |
| *Pretty series | red, pink, white | AAS winners, bred at Univ. CT |
| ‘Terrace Vermilion’ | reddish orange | unusual color, tall, early |
Return to HGPO course | PSS123 course