PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day
Watering
Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot, dry summer conditions without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, oval, gray-green foliage with a pungent, herbal aroma when crushed
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of pale pink to purple tubular blooms that attract bees and butterflies
- Stem: Prostrate, woody at the base, rooting at nodes to form a spreading mat
Care Guide
Watering
Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Light, low-nitrogen feed once at the start of the growing season. Use diluted, organic feed to preserve the plant's aromatic oil content
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush clean, dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle lightly over the soil surface once every 6 months to enhance drainage without altering soil pHPruning
- Trim back spent flower heads after blooming to encourage new foliage growth and prevent woody, leggy stems
- Thin overcrowded patches in early spring to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Cut back to 2 cm above the soil line in late winter to refresh dense, compact growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no reported adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: Non-toxic; edible as a culinary herb in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Culinary herb for seasoning, pollinator garden plant, low-growing ground cover
