PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root ball to dry out completely
Temperature
Thrives in 15–22°C; tolerates light frosts down to 10°C; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 28°C which may reduce flowering
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, lance-shaped, bright green, arranged oppositely on slender stems
- Flower: Bi-colored blooms with pale yellow "custard" lower lip and violet-blue upper petals; emits a sweet blueberry-custard scent
- Stem: Slender, branching, upright to slightly trailing, forming dense mounds
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to stimulate continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim leggy stems mid-season to promote bushier growth and maintain a compact mounding habit
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and plant appearance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxic reactions
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental bedding plant, container gardening, window boxes, and fragrance gardens; suitable as cut flowers for small arrangements
