PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry meadow conditions
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to cold temperate zones; survives winter frost down to -30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lanceolate, serrated margins, covered in fine hairs; arranged oppositely on stems
- Flower: Small, four-petaled pink to pale purple blooms; petals have fringed edges
- Stem: Erect, slender, green to reddish-brown, with fine pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth
Fertilization
Light feed at emergence. Use a diluted, balanced organic feed only if soil is severely nutrient-poor
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, baked eggshells on soil surface to add calcium without burning roots; avoid raw unprocessed shellsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering throughout summer
- Cut back stems to ground level after first frost in late autumn
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxic effects on cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden accent; supports pollinators including bees and butterflies
