PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to full shade; tolerates dappled lawn light and low-light garden edges
Watering
Water when top 1–2 cm of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established in garden beds
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in cool spring temperatures, declines in extreme summer heat above 25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, softly hairy, clasping stem at base without petioles
- Flower: Tubular purple-pink blooms in whorls at leaf axils, two-lipped corolla
- Stem: Square, trailing or upright, densely hairy
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during peak bloom period
Fertilization
No regular feeding needed; thrives in low-nutrient soil. Optional light topdress with compost in early spring to boost bloom production
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface every 2 months to add calcium without raising soil pHPruning
- Mow after flowering to prevent excessive self-seeding if unwanted in lawns
- Trim back sprawling stems to maintain neat border edges
- Remove dead foliage in late spring to tidy planting areas and reduce debris buildup
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover; edible young leaves for salads or herbal teas
