PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, sunny exposed slopes and rock gardens
Watering
Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot, dry summer conditions without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Deeply lobed palmate leaves with serrated edges, turning bronze-red in autumn
- Flower: Bright magenta-pink 5-petaled blooms with subtle dark veining
- Stem: Slender trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense, weed-suppressing mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Light, balanced feed once at emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy, floppy growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to reduce blossom end rot risk and improve soil drainagePruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period
- Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to encourage compact, dense growth
- Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse reactions
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes gentility and true romantic devotion in Victorian floriography
Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, border edging, and erosion control on slopes
