PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot Mediterranean climates
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts; performs best in temperate to warm Mediterranean conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped, softly hairy, with shallow lobes and crenate margins
- Flower: Pale pink to lilac, five-petaled, ruffled edges, clustered at leaf axils
- Stem: Slender, branching, covered in fine downy hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Light, balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy growth and reduced flowering
Banana peel tea：Soak 2-3 chopped banana peels in 1L water for 24 hours; strain and use to water plants to boost flowering and foliage healthPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering
- Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to promote bushier growth
- Cut back to ground level in late autumn after foliage dies back to prepare for winter dormancy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic; young leaves may be eaten in small quantities as a salad green
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental for rock gardens, borders, and containers; young leaves may be used in small quantities as a salad green
