Periwinkle
Periwinkle Detailed Encyclopedia Introduction
Apocynaceae perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plant, flowering year-round with rich colors, having high ornamental and medicinal value.
Basic Info
Family：Apocynaceae
Scientific Name：Catharanthus roseus
Origin：Eastern Africa, India, Madagascar
Flowering Period：Year-round flowering, mainly concentrated in spring and summer
Height：30-60 cm
Lifespan：Perennial
Morphology
Leaves：Opposite, oblong to obovate, dark green glossy surface, entire margins
Flowers：Salverform, 5 petals, colors include white, pink, rose, purple-red, often with dark eye spot in center
Roots：Prominent taproot with well-developed lateral roots, relatively shallow root system
Stem：Upright, multi-branched, young stems green, old stems woody
Growth Habits
Soil Requirements：Prefers loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam or humus soil
Watering Needs：Drought tolerant, keep soil slightly moist during growing season, avoid waterlogging
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, tolerates partial shade, 4-6 hours of light daily is optimal
Temperature Requirements：Warm-loving, optimal growing temperature 20-33°C, not cold hardy
Classification & Varieties
Main Classifications
Ornamental Varieties
Professional Care
✂️ Pruning Management
Pruning Timing：During vigorous spring growth and after flowering
Pruning Method：Pinch growing tips to promote branching; remove spent flowers and leggy stems
Pruning Purpose：Control plant shape, promote branching, extend flowering period, increase bloom quantity
Required Tools：Garden shears, gloves
🛡️ Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests：
Common Diseases：
Prevention Measures：Maintain good ventilation, avoid overwatering, regularly inspect leaves
Treatment Methods：Remove diseased leaves promptly when pests and diseases are found, use biological or chemical pesticides for control
🌱 Fertilization Management
Fertilizer Type：Compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer
Fertilization Frequency：Every 15-20 days during growing season
Fertilization Timing：Spring through autumn vigorous growth period
Fertilization Amount：Light and frequent application, 10-20 grams per plant each time
💧 Water Requirements
Watering Frequency：Every 2-3 days in spring/summer, every 5-7 days in autumn/winter
Watering Amount：Water when dry, water thoroughly, avoid waterlogging
Watering Method：Water at root zone, avoid wetting leaves and flowers
Dehydration Signs：Wilted drooping leaves, dull leaf color, slow growth
Basic Care Tips
- •Highly adaptable, prefers partial shade or filtered light environment
- •Good drought tolerance, but maintain moderate moisture during growing season
- •Not strict soil requirements, but drainage must be good
- •Can divide in spring to expand planting area
- •Strong cold hardiness, can overwinter outdoors in most regions
Ecology Value
Pollinators：Bees, butterflies, moths and other insects
Wildlife：Provides nectar for various pollinating insects
Environmental Value：Beautifies environment, purifies air, has important medicinal value
Cultural Symbolism
Symbolic Meaning：Pleasant memories, eternal youth, steadfastness
Historical Background：Native to tropical regions, introduced to Europe in 18th century, now widely cultivated worldwide
Related Festivals：Commonly used for garden beautification and holiday decoration
Artistic Expression：Common material for garden landscaping and flower bed arrangements