PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Allow top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -5°C; prefers warm, dry Mediterranean climates; protect from prolonged heavy frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, oval, gray-green, fuzzy leaves with strong aromatic scent
- Flower: Tiny pale pink to white tubular flowers in dense terminal clusters
- Stem: Slender, trailing to upright stems with soft pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; reduce frequency during extreme heatwaves
Fertilization
Diluted low-nitrogen feed once every 4 weeks. Fertilize sparingly to preserve aromatic foliage quality
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw grounds to prevent soil acidity spikesPruning
- Trim back spent flower heads to encourage bushier, more compact growth
- Harvest foliage regularly to maintain plant shape and promote new leaf production
- Cut back to 5 cm above soil level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; safe for culinary use
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with Mediterranean culinary traditions; symbolizes joy and hospitality
Usage: Culinary herb for seasoning meats, sauces, and salads; ornamental ground cover for rockeries
