PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes vibrant foliage color and abundant blooms; tolerates reflected heat in arid regions
Watering
Water thoroughly only when the entire soil profile is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Cold hardy to -15°C; tolerates high summer heat up to 35°C; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, fleshy, obovate to rounded leaves; blue-green to gray-green, arranged in opposite pairs
- Flower: Star-shaped, bright yellow blooms in terminal flat-topped clusters
- Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense, spreading mats
Care Guide
Watering
Water when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; increase frequency during extreme heatwaves
Fertilization
Diluted, low-nitrogen feed once every 2 months. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows
Eggshell powder topdress：Grind dried, rinsed eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to supplement calcium without raising soil pH excessivelyPruning
- Trim back leggy stems in early spring to encourage compact, dense growth
- Remove spent flower heads after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance
- Thin overcrowded mats to improve airflow and reduce risk of fungal infection
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported in cats
Humans: No toxic effects reported in humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ground cover for rock gardens, green roofs, and container edging; erosion control on slopes
