LIFE CYCLE
Perennial
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Bright red blooms
GROWTH HABIT
Compact mound
BLOOM SEASON
Spring summer
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Not edible
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open Pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Flowering Plant
SEED TYPE
Open Pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Flowering Plant
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
Not applicable
PLANT HEIGHT
20–30 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full Sun Partial Shade
WATER NEEDS
Low
HARDINESS ZONES
8–11
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
25–30 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
0.5–1 cm
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well drained soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vinca rosea the same plant as periwinkle groundcover (Vinca minor)?
Is Vinca rosea the same plant as periwinkle groundcover (Vinca minor)?
No, despite the shared common name "vinca," Vinca rosea (Catharanthus roseus) is a different genus from the trailing groundcover periwinkle, Vinca minor.
What does the "Red Cherry" bloom coloring look like?
What does the "Red Cherry" bloom coloring look like?
It typically features vivid cherry-red petals, often with a slightly deeper red or contrasting center eye.
How compact is the "Dwarf" form compared to standard Vinca rosea?
How compact is the "Dwarf" form compared to standard Vinca rosea?
Dwarf varieties stay noticeably shorter and more mounded, making them well suited to edging and containers compared to taller upright types.
How well does Vinca rosea tolerate heat and drought?
How well does Vinca rosea tolerate heat and drought?
Very well — it's known for thriving in hot, dry summer conditions once established, needing less frequent watering than many bedding annuals.
How is dwarf Vinca rosea typically used in garden design?
How is dwarf Vinca rosea typically used in garden design?
Its compact, heat-tolerant habit makes it popular for border edging, mass bedding, and container planting in sunny spots.
Is Vinca rosea safe if pets chew on the foliage?
Is Vinca rosea safe if pets chew on the foliage?
No, all parts of Catharanthus roseus contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested by pets, so keep it out of reach of chewing animals.