PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; thrives in 6–8 hours of direct daily sunlight, tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Prefers 15–25°C; can tolerate brief light frosts down to 5°C, avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lance-shaped, slightly fuzzy medium green foliage with serrated edges
- Flower: Daisy-like composite blooms, deep purple petals with bright yellow central disc, 5–7 cm in diameter
- Stem: Slender, branching green stems with fine pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when topsoil dries
Fertilization
Feed with balanced diluted fertilizer every 2 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
Banana peel tea：Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days, dilute 1:10, apply to soil to boost bloom production; avoid undiluted applicationPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain compact mounding habit
- 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 confirms no toxic effects to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental for containers, garden borders, and cut flower arrangements
