About Periwinkle
A resilient, everblooming annual/short-lived perennial with cheerful five-petaled flowers in pink, white, red, or purple with a contrasting eye. Blooms non-stop from planting until the plant exhausts itself — one of the most heat and drought-tolerant flowering plants available. Periwinkle belongs to the Apocynaceae family and originates from Madagascar; naturalized across all tropical regions including the Philippines..
Tsitsirika is one of the most common flowering plants in Filipino gardens — found in virtually every barangay, vacant lot, and roadside. It naturalizes aggressively and volunteers (self-sows) freely in Philippine conditions. Despite being so common it's overlooked, modern hybrid varieties offer stunning large flowers and compact habits. Medicinally important — the source of vinblastine and vincristine, cancer-fighting drugs. Extremely affordable at any garden stall.
Also known as: Chichirika, Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus.
Popular Varieties
- 'Pacifica' series (large flowers, compact)
- 'Cora' series (disease-resistant)
- 'Titan' series (large, spreading)
- Trailing varieties for hanging baskets
- 'Jams and Jellies' (dark-centered varieties)
How to Plant Periwinkle in the Philippines
Periwinkle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. The recommended method is seeds (self-sows readily).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed mix (darkness helps germination — cover lightly).
- Step 2: Keep warm (25-30°C) and moist. Germination in 7-14 days.
- Step 3: Transplant seedlings when 8-10 cm tall.
- Step 4: For cuttings: take 10 cm soft tips, root in moist mix or water.
- Step 5: Plants often self-sow in Philippine gardens — volunteer seedlings appear everywhere.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6 hours — blooms best in hot, sunny positions). Position your periwinkle where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately — overwatering causes root rot. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-40°C (thrives in extreme Philippine heat where many other flowers fail). Low to moderate — prefers drier conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing periwinkle outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light balanced fertilizer monthly. Too much fertilizer produces leaves at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pinch tips when young to encourage branching. Deadheading not needed — flowers drop cleanly.
Toxicity & Safety
All parts are toxic if ingested (contains powerful alkaloids including anti-cancer compounds). Keep away from children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Sudden wilt and death
Cause: Phytophthora root rot — the main killer of periwinkle
Solution: Ensure excellent drainage. Never overwater. Plant in raised beds or pots with fast-draining mix.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Fungal root disease or natural aging
Solution: Remove affected plants to prevent spread. Improve drainage. Don't replant in the same spot.
Leggy, stretched growth
Cause: Insufficient sunlight
Solution: Move to full sun. Pinch tips to encourage compact branching.
Few flowers
Cause: Too much shade, overfertilizing with nitrogen, or overwatering
Solution: Full sun, minimal fertilizer, and let soil dry between waterings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Periwinkle in the Philippines?
Periwinkle needs full sun (at least 6 hours — blooms best in hot, sunny positions). Water drought-tolerant once established. water moderately — overwatering causes root rot.. Feed with light balanced fertilizer monthly. too much fertilizer produces leaves at the expense of flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-40°C (thrives in extreme Philippine heat where many other flowers fail) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Periwinkle?
The recommended method is seeds (self-sows readily). Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed mix (darkness helps germination — cover lightly). Keep warm (25-30°C) and moist. Germination in 7-14 days.
Is Periwinkle toxic to pets or children?
All parts are toxic if ingested (contains powerful alkaloids including anti-cancer compounds). Keep away from children and pets.
Can Periwinkle grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Periwinkle grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Periwinkle?
Common issues include: Sudden wilt and death (caused by phytophthora root rot — the main killer of periwinkle — ensure excellent drainage. never overwater. plant in raised beds or pots with fast-draining mix); Yellowing lower leaves (caused by fungal root disease or natural aging — remove affected plants to prevent spread. improve drainage. don't replant in the same spot); Leggy, stretched growth (caused by insufficient sunlight — move to full sun. pinch tips to encourage compact branching).
Growing periwinkle in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!