PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade and compacted, low-nutrient soils
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells to avoid root rot in poorly drained soils
Temperature
Hardy to frost and cold temperatures; tolerates summer heat in temperate and Mediterranean climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small linear to oblong, 5–20 mm long, blue-green, alternate arrangement
- Flower: Tiny white to pale pink blooms clustered in leaf axils, 2–3 mm across
- Stem: Slender reddish-brown stems forming dense, low-growing mats
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly during extended dry periods; avoid overwatering
Fertilization
Optional diluted feed once monthly if growing in very poor soil. Avoid heavy fertilization to prevent excessive, leggy growth
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface; mix lightly into topsoil to boost soil structure and nutrient availabilityPruning
- Trim overgrown mats in early spring to maintain a compact, neat form
- Remove dead foliage in autumn to reduce fungal disease risk
- Thin dense clusters to improve airflow in humid summer conditions
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: Large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; small quantities are edible in some culinary and folk medicine contexts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Erosion control ground cover; traditional folk medicine for urinary tract support
