Periwinkle Seeds – Red Madagascar

The Red Madagascar Periwinkle is a vibrant and reliable flowering plant known for its rich red blooms and lush green foliage. This heat-tolerant and drought-resistant variety adds a bold touch of color to gardens, borders, and containers throughout the warmer months. With its continuous flowering habit, it provides long-lasting beauty even in challenging growing conditions. Easy to grow from seed, this variety thrives in full sun and performs exceptionally well in tropical and subtropical climates.

Features:

• Produces bright red blooms with glossy, dark green leaves.

• Long-lasting flowering period from spring to fall.

• Highly tolerant to heat and drought once established.

• Ideal for borders, containers, and landscape displays.

• Low maintenance and suitable for beginner gardeners.

• Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus ‘Red Madagascar’

• Common Name (US): Periwinkle

• Plant Type: Annual (Perennial in frost-free regions)

• Bloom Color: Red

• Plant Height: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

• Spread: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)

• Sunlight Requirement: Full Sun

• Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

• Germination Time: 10–14 days

• Days to Bloom: 60–70 days after sowing

• Sowing Method: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in warm soil

• Spacing: 10–12 inches apart

• Growing Season: Spring to Fall

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)

• Best Planting Months (by Zone):

  • Zones 2–5: May to June

  • Zones 6–8: April to May

  • Zones 9–11: February to March

• Use: Bedding plants, edging, hanging baskets, patio containers, garden borders