PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates partial shade in hot climates but produces fewer blooms
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Thrives at 15–25°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C but may die back in prolonged harsh cold
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear to lanceolate gray-green leaves, arranged alternately along stems
- Flower: Five-petaled sky-blue blooms (2–3 cm wide), opening only in morning sunlight
- Stem: Slender, branching, glabrous stems with a waxy, pale green coating
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder and mix into the top 2 cm of soil to boost calcium levels and improve soil drainage; avoid raw egg products to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
- Trim back leggy stems mid-season to promote bushier growth and more flower stems
- Cut plants back to ground level after flowering to collect seeds or prepare for overwintering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No reported toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; used in wildflower mixes and rock gardens
