PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in cool, open alpine habitats and avoids intense midday sun in low elevations
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid standing water that may cause root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; prefers cool temperatures and will decline in heat above 25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of linear to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins; stem leaves grow in whorls of 4–6.
- Flower: Tubular purple to pinkish-purple blooms arranged in dense whorls at upper stem nodes.
- Stem: Erect, slender green stems covered in fine, soft pubescence.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry to the touch
Fertilization
Apply diluted organic liquid feed once monthly to support early growth. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin, even layer of crushed, composted eggshells on the soil surface; mix lightly into the top 1 cm of soil to improve soil structure and boost calcium contentPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to prevent unwanted self-seeding if naturalization is not desired
- Trim back faded foliage to ground level in late autumn to tidy the clump and prepare for winter dormancy
- Remove damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxic effects for human ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Pollinator-friendly wildflower for alpine gardens; used in native plant restoration projects
