PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial to full sun; tolerates light dappled shade in hot summer climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in heavy soils
Temperature
Tolerates mild frosts down to 5°C; thrives in cool to temperate daytime temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear whorled leaves (6–8 per node), bright green, hairless with smooth margins
- Flower: Tiny four-petaled white blooms in loose terminal clusters, faintly fragrant when massed
- Stem: Slender square trailing or ascending stems with minimal fine hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Minimal fertilization is preferred; excess nitrogen may reduce flowering
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed eggshell powder on soil surface to improve drainage and add calcium; avoid direct contact with delicate stemsPruning
- Trim back spent flower clusters to maintain a tidy mat shape
- Remove dead or yellowing stems in late summer to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded patches in mid-spring to prevent smothering of smaller plants
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-aligned: No known toxic effects on cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; safe for handling and incidental ingestion
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, edging; traditional European herbal use for mild digestive support
