PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; thrives in hot, dry conditions; tolerates light shade
Watering
Allow top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; prefers warm, sunny conditions; tolerates mild frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear, gray-green leaves with slightly fuzzy texture; aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Small, tubular flowers in dense terminal spikes; typically blue, occasionally pink or white
- Stem: Woody at base, branching to form a compact bushy habit
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering during heavy rain events
Fertilization
Apply balanced diluted liquid fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush baked eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface to boost calcium content; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritationPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continuous summer blooming
- Trim back by one-third in late spring to promote compact, bushy growth
- Cut back woody stems in early spring to rejuvenate older plants and remove dead growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for culinary and medicinal use in moderate amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with purification in traditional religious and folk practices
Usage: Culinary herb for teas, salads, and meat seasoning; aromatic ornamental garden plant; used in traditional herbal medicine
