Annuals – Catharanthus

Botanical name: catharanthus roseus

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 40 inches in height and in width

Bloom time: year-round

Hardy zone: zones 9-12

Flower color: white/pink/red/purple

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: reaches full maturity in first growing season

Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: tropical gardens

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: trailing stems

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow release granular fertilizer in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: angelonia, lantana, zinnia

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no