PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot, arid climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; prefers temperate to warm growing conditions; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, softly hairy, with shallowly lobed margins
- Flower: Pale pink to lavender, five-petaled, ruffled edges, clustered in leaf axils
- Stem: Erect, green, covered in fine downy hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the plant base every 2 months; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritationPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through summer
- Cut back stems to 10 cm above soil level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded growth 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; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes gentleness and delicate beauty in traditional cottage garden aesthetics
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; young tender leaves can be added to salads or used as a cooked green
