PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure and mild drought
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates mild frost and coastal summer heat
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, softly hairy, with shallow lobes and serrated margins
- Flower: Clustered pink to pale lavender cup-shaped blooms with five petals, 3–5 cm wide
- Stem: Woody at base, green to brown, densely covered in soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth over flowering
Banana peel tea：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1 L water for 3 days; strain and use to water plants directly; avoid overapplication to prevent nutrient buildupPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Prune back to 30 cm above ground in late winter to promote bushy new growth
- Remove damaged or diseased stems to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; young leaves can be added to salads or cooked as greens
