Catharanthus roseus Cerise White Eye - Madagascar periwinkle, rose periwinkle

Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus Vinca Soiree™ ‘Cerise White Eye’ stands out for its exceptional floribundus nature, its very compact habit, and its small cherry-red flowers with a white eye, which renew themselves continuously for over 4 months. Well-suited to hot summers and requiring little maintenance, it thrives equally well in pots on a sunny terrace or in border plantings. It is becoming established as a great alternative to begonias or impatiens in colourful summer displays.

This cultivar belongs to the Soirée™ series, developed by MNP / Suntory and introduced in 2024. It was selected for its small size, well-branched growth, and particularly abundant flowering. 'Cerise White Eye’ is propagated from cuttings, which guarantees a uniform form and early flowering. 
The plant forms a low, dense cushion, reaching 15 to 20 cm in height and 30 to 40 cm in spread. The stems are flexible, short, and branched. The foliage, which is evergreen except in frost, is formed of ovate, medium-green, slightly glossy, 3 to 5 cm long leaves. The flowers are smaller than those of classic varieties, measuring on average 3 cm in diameter. They are formed of five slightly overlapping, single petals with a well-defined creamy white central eye. Their large number compensates for their modest size and creates a covering effect. Flowering extends from May until the first frosts. Its hardiness does not exceed –5 °C. Nevertheless, it is possible to keep it by overwintering it under cover.

Plant Madagascar Periwinkle Soirée™ Cerise White Eye in full sun or partial shade, in a well-draining, light, and moist soil. It excels in containers on a balcony or terrace, in pots 15 to 20 cm in diameter. In a flower bed, place it in front of taller plants. You can pair it with a Lobelia ‘Regatta Deep Blue’, a Coleus Copinto Caipirinha with a bright lemon-lime yellow, or with a Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’. You can also mix this plant with varieties from the same series, such as ‘Soirée White’ or ‘Soirée Pink White Eye’, for a uniform carpet effect.

Catharanthus roseus, or Madagascar Periwinkle, belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This species is native to the coastal areas of Madagascar, where it grows in poor, dry, or sandy soils. Its former botanical name, Vinca rosea, is still sometimes used. The Latin term "roseus" refers to the pink hue of the flowers of the species. This plant is strictly speaking a perennial, but it is cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, as it does not tolerate prolonged sub-zero temperatures.

Caution: All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, from which effective molecules for treating leukaemia have been derived.

Note: Please be aware, plug plants are products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, pot them on and store them under cover (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before being placed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.