PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 18–25°C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate leaves covered in dense silvery-gray velvety hairs with prominent raised venation
- Flower: Vibrant 5-petaled purple blooms with bright yellow, elongated stamens
- Stem: Young stems covered in fine silvery hairs; matures to woody, brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in winter to support dormancy; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage new growth
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Cut back overgrown stems by one-third in early spring to promote dense flowering growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, patio container plant, cut flower for floral arrangements
