Running Myrtle Catharanthus roseus

Madagascar periwinkle is an evergreen, tender, erect-to-spreading perennial in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to Madagascar but has naturalized in warm areas around the world. The species epithet means "pink."

Plant it in full sun to partial or dappled shade in moist, well-drained soil. While it prefers acidic soil, it tolerates a range of soil types, so as long as it has good drainage. Seeds can be sown in March, in warm temperatures, and planted outside in early June. Modern hybrids are bred for compact and well-branched habits and do not need pinching or deadheading. The plants are perennial in Zone 10 and higher but are treated as annuals in colder regions.

Flowers have a slender tube and five spreading lobes that are rose-pink, white, or white with a contrasting eye. It blooms all summer from July through September, only stopping at frost. This plant blooms even during heat stress. It is resistant to deer and rabbits. The flowers of modern hybrids are not as rich in nectar as the wild types.

It is utilized as an annual ground cover in beds and for bedding and borders in drought-tolerant gardens, butterfly gardens, and recreational play areas. It may also be grown in a container or hanging basket.

Quick ID Hints:

• Salverform flowers, usually with a contrasting eye.
• Twin elongated fruits (paired follicles) from one calyx.
• Glossy leaves borne in pairs on the stem.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Clemson University provides a fact sheet to help you Identify and manage diseases with Vinca. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora root rot, stem rot, or aerial blight while others have shown a fair amount of resistance to phytophthora and leaf spot. Fair is defined as less than half of the studied plants dying of the diseases. See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape.