PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright partial sun to full shade; intense midday summer sun may scorch delicate foliage
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Extremely cold hardy to -30°C; tolerates moderate summer heat with consistent moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Rounded, lobed leaves with deep purple to bronze foliage; fuzzy, pale green undersides
- Flower: Tiny, bell-shaped white to pale pink blooms on tall, slender wiry stalks
- Stem: Slender, upright flowering stalks rise 60–90 cm above foliage clumps
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mulch to retain moisture
Fertilization
Diluted balanced all-purpose feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which may fade the characteristic purple foliage color
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support vibrant foliage colorPruning
- Remove spent flowering stalks after blooms fade to maintain a neat clump shape
- Trim back tattered, damaged foliage in early spring to make way for new growth
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to improve airflow and vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no associated poisoning risks
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental groundcover, border plant, and container specimen; foliage adds year-round color to shade gardens
