PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in heavy soils
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C for winter dormancy; tolerates moderate summer heat up to 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate, deeply lobed, hairy green leaves with serrated margins
- Flower: Pale pink to lilac five-petaled blooms with darker pink veins
- Stem: Slender, branching, hairy stems that spread gently
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging in heavy clay soils
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced organic feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Banana peel liquid fertilizer：Chop 2–3 banana peels and soak in 1 liter of water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 with water before applying as a root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
- Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn after the first frost to prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; leaves may be eaten in small quantities as a mild herb
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover for wildflower gardens; young leaves may be used in small quantities as a mild, peppery herb in salads
