PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full, direct sunlight daily; tolerant of intense desert heat and UV exposure
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when the top 10–15 cm of soil is completely dry to avoid root rot
Temperature
Thrives in hot arid conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C but may suffer leaf damage below 0°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-gray, densely woolly oval leaves, 2–5 cm long with fuzzy undersides
- Flower: Star-shaped pale pink to white blooms with purple centers, clustered in terminal umbels
- Stem: Fuzzy gray-green stems that exude toxic milky sap when damaged
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 10–14 days; allow soil to dry fully between waterings
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin, even layer around the base of the shrub; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritation from sharp shell particlesPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems in early spring to encourage new growth
- Thin overcrowded branches to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Trim back leggy growth after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to cardiac glycosides; ingestion may cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and weakness
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion causes nausea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac arrhythmias
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental xeriscaping plant; traditional medicinal uses are discouraged due to toxicity
