PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of drought and poor soil conditions
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in temperate temperatures between 15–25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lanceolate to oval, with a distinct dark purple spot near the base; smooth margins
- Flower: Dense pink to pale purple spike-like inflorescences at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, branched, often reddish at nodes
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Light application of balanced compost to support growth. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer around the base of the plant; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent potential burningPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to reduce self-seeding and encourage tidier growth
- Trim back overgrown stems to maintain a compact, uniform groundcover
- Remove wilted foliage in late autumn to eliminate pest and disease habitats
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible young leaves in salads; groundcover for wildflower gardens; erosion control in moist areas
