PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and mild wind exposure
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Cold-hardy to subzero temperatures; withstands mild coastal frost, avoid prolonged extreme heat without partial shade
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate serrated leaves with fuzzy gray-green texture
- Flower: Dense upright spikes of tubular pink to lavender flowers
- Stem: Square, hairy stems characteristic of the mint family
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering for established plants in dry spells
Fertilization
Light diluted fertilization once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to support flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds diluted 1:25 with water for root drenching; avoid raw grounds to prevent pH imbalancePruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage extended blooming and maintain tidy clump shape
- Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn to promote healthy new spring growth
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Pollinator garden plant for bees and butterflies; coastal erosion control
