PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial shade to full sun; tolerates dappled woodland light; avoid intense midday summer sun in hot regions
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool temperate conditions; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures over 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate, deeply lobed, fern-like; green to reddish in full sun
- Flower: Small, pink to purple five-petaled blooms; clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, reddish, hairy; sprawling or upright growth form
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water 1–2 times weekly
Fertilization
Diluted balanced organic feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solids to avoid odor and pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming
- Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to promote bushier growth
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Traditional mild antiseptic and astringent; ornamental ground cover for woodland gardens
