PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and dense growth.
Watering
Drought tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently.
Temperature
Frost hardy and highly tolerant of summer heat.
Characteristics
- Leaves: Ovate to orbicular, lobed or toothed resembling ivy, green above and often whitish or purplish-tomentose underneath;
- Flowers: Zygomorphic, bright yellow, 5-lobed with the lower three lobes broadly winged, borne in leaf axils;
- Stems: Prostrate and trailing, often rooting at the nodes to form dense mats.
Care Guide
Watering
Water moderately, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer.. Feed lightly in early spring to support the main flowering flush.
Banana Peel Tea：Steep chopped banana peels in water for 24-48 hours. Dilute 1:1 with water before applying. Avoid high-phosphorus materials as some native plants are sensitive.Pruning
- Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact habit;
- Remove any dead or straggly stems to encourage fresh basal growth;
- Can be cut back harder in late winter to rejuvenate the plant.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Non-toxic to cats (no ASPCA listing indicating toxicity).
Humans: Generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Widely appreciated in Western water-wise gardening and xeriscaping for its hardy, mat-forming nature and low maintenance requirements.
Usage: - Excellent groundcover for rockeries and embankments; - Beautiful trailing plant for hanging baskets or retaining walls; - Useful for soil stabilization in sloping gardens.