PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct light daily
Watering
Moderate water needs; thrives with moist but well-drained soil
Temperature
Tolerates mild to warm temperatures; frost-sensitive
Characteristics
- Leaves: Opposite, deeply pinnatifid with 7–15 narrow linear lobes, 2–4 cm long, bright green;
- Flowers: Solitary in leaf axils, corolla tubular, 5–6 mm long, white to pale lavender, 4-fold symmetry, calyx with 4 pointed lobes;
- Stems: Slender, erect to decumbent, often branched, smooth green surface;
- Roots: Fibrous, adapted to sandy or loamy soils.
Care Guide
Watering
Water twice weekly during prolonged dry periods
Fertilization
Apply light compost dressing in early spring. Light nutrient needs; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leafiness
Composted coffee grounds：Mix used coffee grounds into compost or soil surface; avoid excessive amounts to prevent acidity shiftsPruning
- Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering;
- Trim leggy stems to maintain compact form;
- Remove yellowed or damaged foliage;
- Thin overcrowded plants for air circulation;
- At season end, pull annual plants before seed dispersal if not desired.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Non-toxic per ASPCA; ingestion harmless
Humans: No known toxicity; plant not typically consumed
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: - **Wildflower gardening**: Adds fine-textured greenery and small blooms; - **Erosion control**: Fibrous roots help stabilize sandy soils; - **Pollinator support**: Flowers attract small native bees and flies.
