PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, sunny open habitats and tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C and moderate summer heat up to 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lanceolate to elliptical, gray-green, pubescent, arranged oppositely along stems
- Flower: White five-petaled blooms, opening at dusk and closing by mid-morning
- Stem: Slender, hairy stems with sticky, insect-trapping nodes at leaf axils
Care Guide
Watering
Water when soil is dry to the touch; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
No regular fertilization required; lean soil supports better flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that may promote excessive foliage growth over blooms
Eggshell powder topdressing：Finely grind clean, dried eggshells; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without overfeeding the low-nutrient-prefring plantPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Pull the entire plant after flowering to clear garden beds for next season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden planting, moth pollinator support, roadside revegetation
