PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight, avoid harsh midday summer sun which can scorch foliage
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; avoid prolonged temperatures above 25°C, which may trigger summer dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Dark green, leathery, palmately divided into 5–7 serrated leaflets with a faint foul scent when crushed
- Flower: Greenish-yellow, cup-shaped blooms with purple-tinted edges, borne in upright clusters
- Stem: Thick, upright, slightly hairy stems that support flower clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; reduce watering during hot, dry spells to prevent root stress
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Do not over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering
Composted eggshell powder + leaf mold tea：Mix crushed, fully dried eggshells into the topsoil in early spring to boost calcium levels; dilute leaf mold tea 1:20 for monthly root drenchingPruning
- Remove spent flower stems after blooming to redirect energy to foliage growth
- Trim yellowing or damaged leaves in late winter to maintain a tidy clump
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to improve air circulation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and irregular heart rate
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides and alkaloids; ingestion causes gastrointestinal and cardiac distress
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with winter resilience, often used in festive winter garden displays
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; historical medicinal use as a purgative, now considered too toxic for therapeutic applications
