PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright direct sunlight for most of the day, with light afternoon shade tolerated in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates moderate summer heat, avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, gray-green linear evergreen leaves forming dense, low-growing mats
- Flower: Fragrant double magenta-pink blooms with fringed petals, 2–3 cm in diameter
- Stem: Slender upright stems bearing terminal flower clusters above foliage mats
Care Guide
Watering
Water 1–2 times weekly during active growth; ensure soil drains completely to prevent waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy growth
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base, gently work into topsoil; avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent burningPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous reblooming through early autumn
- Trim back leggy stems by one-third in mid-summer to maintain a compact mat form
- Remove brown or damaged foliage in early spring to refresh growth and improve airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes love, admiration, and gratitude in traditional floriography
Usage: Rock garden groundcover, flower bed edging, container planting for patios
