PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct midday summer sun which can scorch delicate foliage
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; thrives in cool to temperate daytime temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to oblong leaves with dense silvery woolly hairs on undersides; dark green, matte upper surface
- Flower: Fragrant white to pale pink racemes of small bell-shaped blooms
- Stem: Young stems covered in woolly pubescence; mature stems become woody and gray-brown
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; apply organic mulch to retain moisture
Fertilization
Diluted acidic organic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can reduce flowering
Composted coffee grounds：Mix fully composted grounds into topsoil to lower pH and add slow-release nutrients; avoid raw grounds to prevent soil acidity spikesPruning
- Remove faded flower racemes in early autumn to maintain plant tidiness
- Thin overcrowded inner branches in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
- Trim back leggy growth after flowering to preserve compact rounded shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No reported toxicity to cats
Humans: No reported toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shaded garden shrub; fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies
