PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, nutrient-poor soils and moderate heat
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures up to 30°C with adequate drainage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate leaves, 5–12 cm long, hairy, arranged alternately along stems
- Flower: Small, bright yellow funnel-shaped blooms, clustered in terminal spikes
- Stem: Erect, hairy, branching upper stems
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil moderately moist during active growth; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Light balanced diluted feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth and reduced flowering
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; mix into top 2 cm of soil to improve drainage and add calcium for healthy stem growthPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering into mid-summer
- Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded growth in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: Mild gastrointestinal upset may occur if large quantities are ingested; traditional medicinal uses exist with controlled doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Traditional medicinal use for skin conditions; ornamental border plant
