PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; requires direct sunlight for optimal fall foliage color development
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; tolerates short periods of drought without damage
Temperature
Thrives in 15–30℃; tolerate light frost but will die back after the first hard freeze
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear green leaves that turn vivid crimson in cool autumn temperatures
- Flower: Small, inconspicuous greenish-white axillary flower clusters
- Stem: Erect, branching stems forming a rounded, compact bush
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth and reduced fall color
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and work into top 1 cm of soil to add calcium without burning rootsPruning
- Pinch young stem tips early in the growing season to encourage dense, bushy growth
- Remove spent flower clusters to maintain a tidy garden appearance
- Cut back dead foliage to ground level after the first hard frost to prepare for next year's planting
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no toxic compounds identified
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant for fall color; used in border plantings and mass displays
