PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot, arid regions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates short heatwaves up to 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, with 5–7 shallow lobes, softly hairy, toothed margins
- Flower: Pale pink to lavender, 2–4 cm wide, five notched petals clustered in leaf axils
- Stem: Erect, branched, covered in fine soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Banana peel infusion：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1L of water for 3 days; strain to remove solids before using as a root drenchPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through summer
- Cut back stems to 10 cm above soil level after the first frost to promote vigorous regrowth the following spring
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; leaves and flowers are edible in moderation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes love and remembrance in traditional European folk traditions
Usage: Edible leaves and flowers for salads, teas, and garnishes; ornamental border and wildflower plant
