PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–28°C; tolerates light frosts down to 5°C with light mulch protection
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, aromatic gray-green foliage covered in soft, fine hairs
- Flower: Tubular coral-pink blooms arranged in dense whorls along upright spikes
- Stem: Square, green to reddish-brown stems characteristic of the mint family
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1–2 times weekly
Fertilization
Diluted balanced all-purpose fertilizer every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn to prepare the plant for dormancy
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels soaked in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drenching and discard solids to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent bloom spikes regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Cut back stems by one-third in late winter to promote bushier, more compact growth in the following spring
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and maintain plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects reported
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; foliage is occasionally used as a culinary herb in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; attracts pollinators including hummingbirds and native bees
