I'm an evergreen perennial with glossy, dark green leaves that form a dense mat of foliage.
My flowers come in shades of white, pink, purple, or magenta with a distinctive contrasting eye.
I bloom almost year-round in warm climates, especially prolific during summer and monsoon.
I'm incredibly tough—drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and adaptable to various conditions.

I am native to Madagascar but have naturalized beautifully across tropical and subtropical regions, including throughout India.

I'm drought-tolerant once established but appreciate regular watering during dry spells.
Water me 1-2 times per week in summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
I can handle occasional neglect but will flower more profusely with consistent moisture.

I'm quite adaptable! I grow well in full sun to partial shade.
I'll produce the most flowers in brighter light but can still bloom well in shaded areas.

I thrive in warm conditions between 20°C and 35°C.
I can tolerate higher temperatures and will survive mild winters, though frost may damage me.

Choose a well-draining location—I can handle various soil types.

Space plants 12-18 inches apart for ground cover, as I spread quickly.

Plant me at the same depth as I was in my nursery container.

Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Prune occasionally to control spread and encourage bushiness.

I also grow beautifully in hanging baskets and containers!

I'm not a heavy feeder. A balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) applied every 6-8 weeks during the growing season is sufficient.
Compost or well-rotted manure in spring will also keep me happy.

Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus

Common Names: Sadabahar, Madagascar Periwinkle, Old Maid, Bright Eyes

Plant Family: Apocynaceae

Plant Type: Outdoor flowering perennial (often grown as annual in cooler climates)

Important: All parts of me are toxic if ingested by humans or animals. I contain alkaloids that can cause serious health issues. Please plant me where children and pets cannot access me.

While I'm mainly grown for my ornamental value, I do contribute to cleaner air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Continuous blooms throughout the warm seasons

Excellent ground cover that suppresses weeds

Drought-tolerant and low maintenance

Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Medicinal properties (used in traditional medicine under proper guidance)

Root rot - From waterlogged soil or poor drainage

Aphids - May occasionally cluster on new growth

Leaf spot - Fungal issues in humid, crowded conditions

Leggy growth - Usually from too much shade

Yellowing leaves - Often due to overwatering or nutrient deficiency

In tropical climates, I can live for several years as a perennial. In cooler regions, I'm often grown as an annual, but I'll provide non-stop color from spring through fall!