PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct mountain sunlight, with partial shade for low-elevation hot summers
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil dries; tolerates short periods of drought
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; prefers cool to temperate alpine conditions, avoid extreme summer heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, leathery, oval to lanceolate leaves arranged oppositely along stems, with slightly serrated margins.
- Flower: Tubular scarlet to pinkish-red blooms clustered in terminal spikes, with five lobed corollas.
- Stem: Slender, woody base stems with green, herbaceous upper growth.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-strength fertilizer to avoid overfeeding and leggy growth
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and gently work into top layer to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage extended blooming
- Trim back woody stems in late winter to promote new spring growth
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental alpine garden plant; attracts hummingbirds
