Botanical Name

Catharanthus roseus

Commonly known as Annual Vinca

Annual

Glossy-leaved heat champion (botanically unrelated to true Vinca minor) that blooms through humidity that wilts everything else.

Dangerous to cats

Toxic to cats and dogs. It contains the same class of alkaloids used as chemotherapy drugs, so a large ingestion is more than a stomach ache.

Quick Reference

Bloom Season: May to Nov
USDA Zones: 3-11
Sun: Full Sun or Part Sun
Water: Low - drought tolerant
Mature Height: 6-18"
Bloom Colors: PinkWhiteRedPurple

✦ Low Maintenance▢ Container Friendly△ Deer Resistant

Read the full Annual Vinca growing guide →

Companion plants, planting tips, FAQ, and more

About This Name

Catharanthus roseus is the scientific name used by botanists, nurseries, and seed catalogs to identify Annual Vinca unambiguously. The genus Catharanthus places it within a specific plant family, and using the botanical name avoids the confusion that comes with regional common names. If you're shopping for Annual Vinca, looking up plant care details, or comparing varieties, searching by Catharanthus roseus will give you the most precise results.