PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
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 when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soils
Temperature
Hardy to -5°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures, tolerates mild summer heat but may struggle in extreme high temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear, needle-like gray-green leaves arranged in opposite pairs along stems
- Flower: Small, fragrant pink to pale purple blooms with fringed petal edges, clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, branching, semi-woody at base, forming dense, spreading mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to support active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flower production over leaf growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and adjust pH to slightly alkaline, supporting healthy stem and flower developmentPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage prolonged flowering throughout the season
- Trim back leggy stems in early spring to maintain a compact, mat-forming growth habit
- Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter to promote new, healthy growth in spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental groundcover for rock gardens, alpine landscapes, and container edges; fragrant blooms attract pollinators like bees
