PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, disturbed agricultural or roadside soils
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in temperate summer temperatures between 15–25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate, serrated margins, covered in soft downy hairs
- Flower: Tubular purple to pink blooms in whorls at leaf axils, with spotted lower lips
- Stem: Square, hairy, branching sparsely from the base
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil moderately moist during active growth phases
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required. Over-fertilization may cause leggy growth and reduced flowering
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle finely ground, dried eggshells around the base of plants to boost soil calcium levels; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent fungal growthPruning
- Remove spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed garden spaces
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Cut back the entire plant to ground level after flowering to clear garden beds for subsequent plantings
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: No known toxicity to cats (ASPCA unlisted; no documented adverse effects)
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
