PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool temperate conditions; protect from extreme summer heat above 32°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, lance-shaped glossy green leaves in opposite pairs along slender stems
- Flower: Dense upright spikes of sky-blue tubular blooms with pale white throats
- Stem: Slender branching green stems forming compact, mounded clumps
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced feed at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy, floppy growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base and water in gently to release nutrientsPruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming through summer
- Trim back faded foliage to ground level in late autumn to tidy clumps
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden border plant, rock garden specimen, and cut flower arrangement filler
