PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers open, sunny meadow conditions, avoid dense shade
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; thrives in cool temperate conditions, avoid extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, oval to lanceolate, smooth-edged, glossy green
- Flower: Solitary, 5-petaled, bright scarlet (rarely blue/pink), closes in overcast weather
- Stem: Slender, creeping or ascending, branched
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; avoid drying out completely
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy growth
Banana peel tea：Soak 2-3 banana peels in 1L water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 for root drench; discard solids after use to avoid odorPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering
- Trim back leggy stems to promote bushier growth
- Remove wilted foliage at the end of growing season to prevent disease
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-listed toxic; contains glycosides causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Humans: Mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes spontaneity and hidden beauty in European folklore
Usage: Ornamental wildflower; historically used in herbal medicine (not recommended for modern use due to toxicity)
