PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, exposed growing conditions
Watering
Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot, dry summer temperatures without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate to oblong leaves, arranged alternately along stems; slightly hairy texture
- Flower: Dense, terminal spikes of small pale yellow, four-petaled blooms with faint sweet scent
- Stem: Erect, branched green stems with fine pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil moderately moist during active growth; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-strength fertilizer to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant every 3 months; gently work into topsoil to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage prolonged blooming through the growing season
- Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn to tidy garden beds and prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Historically used as a natural yellow textile dye; ornamental garden border plant
