Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apocynaceae

Genus:

Catharanthus

Species:

Catharanthus roseus

USDA Symbol:

CARO14

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, white, red, purple, lavender

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Madagascar's coastal and dry areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Seeds require darkness for germination and warm temperatures of 70-75°F. Cover seeds completely as light inhibits germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI