Catharanthus roseus or Vinca are an upright to spreading perennial with bright green, glossy oblong to ovate foliage and simple, brightly coloured flowers with five radiating petals.
They come in a variety of colours from white through to pinks and mauve, all with a contrasting darker throat or eye colour.
These perennials can become very rangy and benefit from gentle pruning to maintain a compact bushy shape.
They go well in borders, especially as edging and particularly well in pots and planters where they bring season long colour up close.
In cooler climates they also go well indoors in pots but vinca are always at their best in warm and humid climates where they will provide simple colour for a large part of the year.