PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; thrives in exposed, dry sites and tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates hot, arid summer conditions without supplemental cooling
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of woolly, silver-gray leaves, 15–30 cm long; stem leaves smaller, clasping to stalk
- Flower: Dense upright spikes of pale yellow, 2–3 cm wide five-petaled flowers
- Stem: Thick, woolly, unbranched flowering stalk with minimal side shoots
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Fertilization
Optional diluted feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote flower production rather than foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp per plant around the base to boost soil drainage and calcium levels without overfertilizingPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to prevent unwanted self-seeding if desired
- Remove yellowing basal leaves in early spring to improve airflow
- Cut back flowering stalks to ground level after the bloom cycle to encourage tidy regrowth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no risk of poisoning from ingestion or contact
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental border plant; traditionally used for respiratory support in herbal medicine
