PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in coastal areas with moderate wind exposure
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Tolerates short periods of light frost (down to -2°C); prefers warm temperate to subtropical conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy oval evergreen leaves with silvery undersides; covered in fine, irritating hairs
- Flower: Bell-shaped pale pink to white blooms, 5–7 cm in diameter
- Stem/Bark: Grey-brown smooth bark; young stems have dense itchy hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels steeped in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drenching to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Wear thick gloves to avoid contact with irritating hairs while pruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter to promote new growth
- Prune to maintain desired shape; avoid heavy pruning that can stress the tree
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Irritating hairs cause oral and skin irritation if chewed or touched
Humans: Fine irritating hairs on leaves and stems cause skin/eye irritation; ingestion may trigger mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental tree for coastal landscaping; can be shaped into a dense hedge
