PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for abundant flowering; tolerates intense desert heat and occasional partial shade with reduced bloom output
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply once every 1–2 weeks in growing season, suspend watering during cool, wet winter periods
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in hot, arid conditions; avoid prolonged frost exposure
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round to heart-shaped, gray-green, densely covered in soft white hairs to reduce water loss
- Flower: Trumpet-shaped, 2–3 cm wide, orange to coral-pink, clustered at upper stem tips
- Stem: Woody at base, slender upper stems covered in fine, silvery hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 10–14 days; allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced organic feed once at the start of growing season. Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is dormant
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface 3–4 times per year; avoid direct contact with plant stems to prevent mold growthPruning
- Prune back dead or damaged stems to 10–15 cm above soil level in early spring to stimulate new growth
- Thin overcrowded branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Remove spent flower heads to extend the flowering period by 1–2 weeks
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience in arid landscapes; popular in water-wise xeriscape gardening
Usage: Ornamental landscape plant; attracts native pollinators including bees and hummingbirds
