PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial sun with protection from intense midday sun; tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool summer temperatures below 25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large heart-shaped basal leaves with serrated margins; fuzzy gray-green texture
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of tiny pale pink to lilac composite blooms
- Stem: Erect, hairy stems with smaller, deeply lobed upper leaves
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture during active growth
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote compact growth and flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest attractionPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Cut back stems to ground level after the first autumn frost
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: No documented toxicity to cats per ASPCA records
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental alpine garden plant; provides texture and color to rockeries
