PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply once weekly in dry periods; allow top 5 cm of soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates moderate summer heat; protect from prolonged extreme frost with mulch
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy dark green trifoliate leaves; aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Clusters of star-shaped white blooms; strong citrus-like fragrance
- Stem: Slender woody stems; light brown bark with peeling texture over time
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth phases
Fertilization
Apply balanced granular feed once at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around base of shrub to boost soil calcium and deter slugsPruning
- Prune lightly after spring flowering to maintain a compact rounded shape
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems in early spring to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded branches to encourage better light penetration and bloom production
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxic compounds; safe for human handling and ingestion in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes warmth and cheerful fragrance in cottage and Mediterranean garden design
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; informal hedge plant; cut flower for small fragrant arrangements
