PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure; requires at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight to produce abundant blooms; tolerate light afternoon shade in extreme summer heat.
Watering
Water deeply when top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures but benefits from light afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of hairy, deeply lobed, gray-green leaves up to 30 cm long.
- Flower: Large, ruffled, cup-shaped blooms (10–15 cm diameter) in red, orange, pink, or white, with dark central stamens.
- Stem: Erect, hairy stems with few stem leaves, topped with single flower heads.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during growing season; avoid drying out completely
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which may promote leaf growth over blooms.
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels steeped in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support bloom production.Pruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to prevent self-seeding and tidy the plant.
- Cut back foliage to ground level after it dies back in mid-summer to encourage new growth the following year.
- Remove damaged or diseased leaves during growing season to maintain plant health.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains alkaloids that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or seizures in severe cases.
Humans: Contains alkaloids; ingestion may cause mild nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes remembrance and consolation in some Western traditions.
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut flower for floral arrangements.
