PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot afternoon sun in temperate regions; produces more blooms in full sun
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C; protect from prolonged extreme frost in cold zones
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small ovate to lanceolate leaves with silvery-green pubescence, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Upright spikes of tiny tubular lavender-blue flowers, clustered along stems
- Stem: Slender branching green stems covered in fine, soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Light balanced feed once in early spring. Over-fertilizing may cause leggy growth and reduced flowering
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant in early spring; work lightly into the top 1 cm of soilPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming through the growing season
- Cut back plants by half after the first flush of flowers to promote compact, bushy growth
- Trim foliage to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
- Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; may cause mild digestive upset only if ingested in very large quantities
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; leaves are safe for herbal tea use
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with calm relaxation; used in traditional herbalism for mild anxiety relief
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; culinary herbal tea ingredient; attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators
