PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; performs best in sunny, open meadow conditions and tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established, with no need for frequent supplemental watering
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures as long as soil drainage is adequate to prevent root rot
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmately lobed, hairy leaves with serrated margins
- Flower: Small, five-petaled pink to pale lavender blooms with dark central veins
- Stem: Slender, hairy stems branching from a basal rosette
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth and flowering; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Optional diluted, balanced feed once monthly if growing in very poor soil. No regular fertilization is required for established wild plantings
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels steeped in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drenching to avoid overfeeding and soil nutrient buildupPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period and encourage additional bud production
- Trim back leggy stems in mid-spring to promote bushier, more compact growth
- Remove dead foliage in late autumn to reduce overwintering pest and disease habitat
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects expected from ingestion
Humans: No toxic effects reported for human ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden planting, pollinator support for bees and butterflies, and roadside erosion control
