PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure required for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade with reduced bloom production
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; prefers cool to temperate conditions; protect from extreme summer heat above 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear, silver-gray, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Dense spikes of tiny purple-blue tubular blooms; highly fragrant
- Stem: Woody at base, herbaceous upper growth; branching habit
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply diluted low-nitrogen feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy growth and reduced bloom
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage late-season reblooming
- Prune back one-third of growth in late summer to maintain compact, bushy shape
- Remove dead wood in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for culinary and topical use in moderate amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes calm, devotion, and remembrance; widely used in aromatherapy for stress relief
Usage: Ornamental garden plant, culinary herb for baking and teas, aromatherapy oil production
