Slender-lobed Platycapnos (Platycapnos tenuiloba)

Slender-lobed Platycapnos

Platycapnos tenuiloba

Delicate fern-like foliage carries tiny pink blooms, a quiet groundcover beauty. Annual herbaceous plant; common name: Slender-lobed Platycapnos.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers partial shade to full sun; avoid intense midday sun in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; protect from frost below 5°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Finely divided fern-like compound leaves with slender, narrow lobes; pale green, soft texture
  • Flower: Tiny pink to pale purplish spurred blooms arranged in loose, terminal racemes
  • Stem: Slender, branching, trailing or ascending stems with sparse foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when topsoil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Diluted, balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy growth

Banana peel compost tea:Fully compost banana peels before use; dilute 1:25 with water for root drench application; avoid applying to dry soil to prevent root burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower racemes to encourage extended blooming period
  • Trim back leggy or overgrown stems in mid-summer to maintain compact, tidy growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Contains toxic alkaloids; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy

Humans: Contains isoquinoline alkaloids; ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; skin irritation in sensitive individuals

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for rock gardens and container edges; limited traditional medicinal use for mild digestive complaints (not clinically verified)