PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, low-fertility growing conditions
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; allow top 5–7 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings
Temperature
Cold hardy; tolerates frost and cool summer temperatures; avoid extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Soft, velvety oblong leaves with pointed tips; basal leaves form a low rosette
- Flower: Clusters of small, tubular purple or pale pink blooms
- Stem: Erect, densely hairy stems with branching upper growth
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add slow-release calcium without burning rootsPruning
- Remove spent flower heads to control self-seeding (if unwanted)
- Trim yellowing basal leaves to improve air circulation
- Cut back stems to ground level after flowering to maintain garden tidiness
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; may cause liver failure with repeated exposure
Humans: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; prolonged ingestion causes liver damage; contact may irritate skin
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
