Madagascar Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
Last reviewed: October 2026
Madagascar Periwinkle is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA (Periwinkle, Vinca rosea) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-10-19). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Pollinators
butterflies, moths
Native alternatives to Madagascar Periwinkle
Madagascar Periwinkle is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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A tender perennial from the dogbane family, grown as a summer annual where winters freeze. Glossy evergreen leaves and flat five-petaled flowers in pink, white, red or lavender bloom from late spring until frost. It handles heat and dry spells well once rooted but rots in soggy soil, so it needs sharp drainage and should be watered at the base rather than overhead. Every part of the plant contains alkaloids that are toxic if eaten.
In an HOA neighborhood
Madagascar Periwinkle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Wildlife value
Occasional nectar for butterflies and night-flying moths; not a host plant for native insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Madagascar Periwinkle need?
- Madagascar Periwinkle grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Madagascar Periwinkle bloom?
- Madagascar Periwinkle blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Madagascar Periwinkle is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA (Periwinkle, Vinca rosea) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to cats?
- Yes. Madagascar Periwinkle is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA (Periwinkle, Vinca rosea) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Madagascar Periwinkle attract?
- Madagascar Periwinkle draws butterflies and moths.
- Is Madagascar Periwinkle HOA-friendly?
- Madagascar Periwinkle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Madagascar Periwinkle and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.