PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and windy conditions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtemperate conditions; protect from frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small oval glossy green leaves with serrated margins, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Tiny white to pale lavender tubular four-petaled flowers in axillary spikes
- Stem: Woody branching stems with fine pubescence on young growth
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; increase frequency during extreme heatwaves
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prioritize flowering over excessive foliage growth
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a compact rounded shape
- Remove dead or damaged branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Pinch back young shoots to encourage bushier, denser growth
- Prune heavily in early spring to rejuvenate overgrown, leggy shrubs
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic; ripe berries are edible when fully mature
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental coastal shrub; ripe berries used to make herbal teas and jams; aids in coastal erosion control
