PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry conditions; avoid prolonged deep shade
Watering
Allow top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; thrives in warm, arid to temperate conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of pinnately lobed, hairy leaves with fetid odor when crushed
- Flower: Small pink to pale purple five-petaled blooms, clustered at slender stem tips
- Stem: Fine, hairy branching stems that bear flower clusters above the leaf rosette
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly to establish young plants; reduce frequency once mature
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use low-strength feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted grounds diluted 1:30 with water for root drench; avoid raw grounds to prevent soil acidity spikes and pest attractionPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage prolonged blooming through early summer
- Trim back leggy, overgrown stems in mid-summer to maintain compact rosette form
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic; edible in small culinary quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Culinary herb (small amounts for sharp, peppery flavor); traditional medicinal uses for minor digestive complaints
