PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open damp meadow conditions; tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; tolerates temporary waterlogging in natural wet habitats
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool temperate conditions; avoid extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Deeply lobed palmate leaves with serrated margins; bright medium green
- Flower: Five-petaled pink blooms with darker purple veining; clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, hairy upright stems branching near the top
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid drying out completely
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering through mid-summer
- Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn after dormancy sets in
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower for rain gardens; supports pollinators including bees and butterflies
