PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright direct sunlight with at least 6 hours of daily exposure
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; tolerates short periods of drought once established
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot summer temperatures up to 35°C with proper drainage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, gray-green ovate leaves with soft fuzzy texture and aromatic minty scent when crushed
- Flower: Dense racemes of tiny lavender-blue tubular blooms
- Stem: Square, branching silvery-pubescent stems
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release feed once at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy, floppy growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the plant in early spring to boost soil calcium levelsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through autumn
- Cut back foliage by half after the first flush of blooms to promote compact, bushy growth
- Trim to 10–15 cm above soil level in late winter to remove dead, winter-damaged foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; may cause mild digestive upset only if ingested in extremely large quantities
Humans: Non-toxic; safe for culinary and medicinal use in moderation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes calm and relaxation; popular in pollinator-focused wildlife gardens
Usage: Culinary herb for teas and garnishes; medicinal use for mild anxiety and sleep support
