PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot afternoon sun in cool coastal regions, avoid prolonged deep shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established, avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 5–9; tolerates mild winter frost and summer heat up to 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped with lobed margins; stem leaves are narrower and less lobed.
- Flower: Ruffled, mallow-like blooms in shades of pink, lavender, or white, arranged in terminal racemes.
- Stem: Erect, slender green stems with sparse fine pubescence.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth period
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth
Banana peel tea：Steep 1 chopped banana peel in 1 liter of water for 3 days; dilute 1:2 with water before applying to soil to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage continuous blooming through summer
- Cut back all foliage to ground level after the first autumn frost to tidy the planting area
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain plant vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No toxic effects to cats; safe for household environments with feline pets
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; safe for handling and consumption in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Native pollinator habitat; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; ornamental meadow plant
