PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering; tolerates dappled shade in intense tropical heat
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtemperate temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Broad heart-shaped, fuzzy green leaves with serrated, slightly undulating margins
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of pale pink to rose-colored, hydrangea-like blooms with subtle fragrance
- Stem: Woody gray-brown stems with fine soft hairs on young growth
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn to prepare for dormancy
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest issuesPruning
- Remove faded flower clusters after blooming to encourage new growth
- Thin overcrowded branches in late spring to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk
- Trim leggy stems to maintain a compact, rounded shape in early spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, cut flower arrangements
