PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled woodland light for part of the day
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid drying out completely during hot, dry spring periods
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zone 3; withstands extreme winter cold and moderate summer heat up to 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, linear to oblong, glossy green, 5–15 mm long
- Flower: Solitary, bright red to pink star-shaped blooms with four petals, 8–12 mm wide
- Stem: Slender, upright to trailing, green and hairless
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; water when top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use a low-strength, balanced fertilizer to support bloom production
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent rotPruning
- Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
- Trim back dead foliage in late autumn to tidy the planting area
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower pollinator garden, rock garden edging, container ground cover
