PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; best with 6+ hours of direct daily sun for abundant blooms
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods; tolerates brief standing water
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; withstands summer heat up to 35°C, prefers cool to temperate conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, lance-shaped, smooth medium green, up to 15 cm long
- Flower: Dense umbels of tiny pink to rose-purple star-shaped blooms with five reflexed petals
- Stem: Erect, hollow, green to reddish-brown, branching near the top
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid drying out completely
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest issuesPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering
- Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn after foliage dies back
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cardiac glycosides that may disrupt heart function
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with monarch butterfly conservation; host plant for monarch caterpillars
Usage: Ornamental wetland plant; supports pollinators like bees and butterflies
