PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild summer heat and light drought
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in temperate conditions; tolerates light frost but prefers 15–25°C for optimal flowering
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, lanceolate to oblong leaves with smooth margins; pale green, slightly fleshy
- Flower: Terminal clusters of small, five-petaled pink to pale purple blooms
- Stem: Erect, branched, glabrous stems with a waxy coating
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Light feed once at planting. Use diluted compost tea only if soil is severely nutrient-poor
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without causing nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering period
- Trim back leggy stems to promote bushier, more compact growth
- Remove faded foliage after flowering to tidy the garden bed and reduce overwintering pest habitat
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower; historically used in traditional herbal medicine for topical applications
