PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright partial shade; avoid intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch and variegation fade
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; protect from extreme summer heat above 28°C to preserve foliage color
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, elliptical leaves with golden-yellow variegation, turning bronze in winter
- Flower: Clusters of pale pink, funnel-shaped blooms with subtle yellow throats
- Stem: Slender, woody stems with smooth, light brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Fertilization
Acidic diluted feed every 2 weeks. Use acid-specific fertilizer to maintain soil pH and support foliage and bloom development
Composted pine needle tea：Steep fully composted pine needles in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to maintain acidic soil conditions without introducing pests or odorsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms after flowering to redirect energy to new growth
- Thin overcrowded branches in late spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Remove damaged or diseased stems in early spring before new growth emerges
- Shape lightly to maintain compact mounding habit; avoid heavy pruning that removes woody growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, weakness, and potentially fatal cardiac issues
Humans: Contains grayanotoxins; ingestion causes oral irritation, nausea, and cardiac irregularities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; container planting for patios and entryways
