PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool to temperate conditions; protect from prolonged temperatures above 32°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, shallowly lobed, softly hairy, grey-green to medium green
- Flower: Ruffled pink to pale lavender, cup-shaped with 5 petals, clustered at upper stem nodes
- Stem: Erect, densely hairy, branching near the apex to support flower clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth
Fertilization
Apply balanced diluted feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Banana peel tea：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 4 liters of water for 24 hours, dilute 1:10 with water for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest issuesPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming through summer
- Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded clumps 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
Humans: Non-toxic; young leaves are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes gentleness and domestic warmth in traditional cottage garden aesthetics
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; young leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a leafy green
