PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry summer conditions and light shade
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Thrives at 15–30°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C with minimal damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Ovate to lanceolate, grey-green, softly hairy, with serrated margins
- Flower: Large 8–12 cm diameter blooms, vivid blue to purple, five petals with a prominent central stamen column
- Stem: Woody, branching stems covered in fine silver hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days; allow top 5–10 cm of soil to dry between waterings
Fertilization
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage new bloom growth
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in early spring to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded stems to increase light penetration to inner foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, cut flower arrangements, drought-tolerant landscape plant
