PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates disturbed, low-nutrient soils in meadows or roadside verges
Watering
Drought-tolerant; only water during prolonged dry spells to avoid root rot
Temperature
Hardy to moderate frost; adapts to temperate seasonal temperature fluctuations
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins and densely hairy surfaces
- Flower: Tubular two-lipped flowers, pink to purple with white spots on the lower lip to guide pollinators
- Stem: Squarish, bristly stem with downward-pointing hairs for protection against herbivores
Care Guide
Watering
Water occasionally during extended dry periods; allow soil to dry between waterings
Fertilization
Minimal diluted feed only if grown in extremely poor soil. Use low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush fully dried eggshells to fine powder; dust lightly on soil surface to add calcium without burning shallow rootsPruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed gardens
- Trim back yellowing or diseased foliage to improve airflow and reduce fungal growth
- Cut stems to ground level after flowering to tidy wildflower beds for winter
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
