PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure; tolerates partial afternoon shade in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in cool to warm temperatures; avoid frost and extreme heat above 32°C which can halt flowering
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear to lanceolate, gray-green, slightly hairy, up to 8 cm long
- Flower: Dense terminal racemes of 4-petaled purple, pink, or white fragrant flowers
- Stem: Erect, branched, covered in fine pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering; reduce watering once blooms fade
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks during peak flowering. Use a low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flower production over foliage growth
Eggshell powder top dressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, dried eggshells on the soil surface to add calcium; avoid direct contact with plant stems to prevent fungal growthPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to extend the blooming period
- Trim leggy, overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and more flower production
- Remove the entire plant after flowering to clear garden space for subsequent plantings
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower; attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
