PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, compacted urban or roadside soils
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only during extended dry spells to avoid overwatering
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperate to tropical temperatures; dies back at frost or temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with rough, hairy surfaces and serrated margins
- Flower: Tiny, star-shaped white flowers in terminal clusters of 2–6 blooms
- Stem: Prostrate to ascending stems covered in fine, stiff hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly when top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use diluted, low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without burning shallow rootsPruning
- Trim back overgrown mats in early spring to maintain a neat, compact form
- Remove spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed garden beds
- Thin dense patches to improve airflow and reduce potential pest habitat
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; safe for handling and incidental contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Groundcover for erosion control, wildflower pollinator habitat, roadside vegetation
