PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot afternoon sun in arid regions; avoid dense shade to prevent leggy growth
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in heavy soils
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C with consistent soil moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate gray-green leaves, arranged oppositely along erect stems
- Flower: Dense terminal spikes of tubular scarlet to pale pink flowers with bearded lower lips
- Stem: Slender, rigid green stems with minimal branching
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once at emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp per plant around the base; water lightly to release calcium into the soilPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage a second smaller bloom in late summer
- Cut back stems to 10 cm above soil level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin crowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to improve airflow and flowering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; primary nectar source for hummingbirds and native bees
