Cape Periwinkle Plant Care

Cape Periwinkle (Rauvolfia caffra) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Rauvolfia genus. Cape Periwinkle is native to low-lying forests near rivers and streams, or on floodplains. Cape Periwinkle is also known as African Periwinkle, Quinine Tree, Pinch-bark.

Cape Periwinkle displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cape Periwinkle produces small tubular white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Periwinkle every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape Periwinkle thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Cape Periwinkle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Rauvolfia caffra tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Cape Periwinkle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cape Periwinkle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Periwinkle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Periwinkle is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cape Periwinkle can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cape Periwinkle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cape Periwinkle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Periwinkle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to snake root plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cape Periwinkle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cape Periwinkle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cape Periwinkle is native to low-lying forests near rivers and streams, or on floodplains. In cooler regions, grow Cape Periwinkle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.