PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust flowering; tolerate light shade in hot summer climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool to warm temperate conditions; avoid prolonged extreme heat above 32°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, glossy green leaves with a pungent aromatic scent when crushed
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of white, pink, or pale purple star-shaped flowers with prominent long stamens
- Stem: Erect, branching, hairy stems that exude volatile, flammable oils in warm weather
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth
Fertilization
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Banana peel tea：Chop 2–3 banana peels, soak in 1 liter of water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestations and odorPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage in late autumn to reduce overwintering disease risk
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to promote healthy growth
- Avoid heavy pruning, as the plant blooms on previous year's growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Humans: Contains dictamnine and alkaloids; ingestion causes oral irritation, nausea, and vomiting
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant valued for its long-lasting aromatic foliage and showy spring flowers; used in cottage gardens and border plantings
