PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, rocky soils and heat stress
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; withstands hot, dry summers with minimal supplemental care
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, serrated, dark green leaves with fuzzy undersides; turn yellow in fall
- Flower: Dense clusters of tiny white, fragrant blooms resembling foam
- Stem: Slender, woody stems with smooth brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during active growth; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Light, balanced granular feed once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive foliage growth over blooms
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush baked, cooled eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 cm layer around shrub base to boost soil calcium without introducing pests or odorsPruning
- Remove spent flower clusters in late summer to maintain tidiness and encourage potential rebloom
- Thin overcrowded branches in late winter to improve airflow and sunlight penetration
- Trim back leggy stems in early spring to preserve compact, rounded shape
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: Native pollinator garden plant; historical use as a tea substitute during the American Revolution
