PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms with at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; tolerates moderate summer heat up to 30°C; protect from harsh winter winds in exposed sites
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate 3-lobed dark green leaves with serrated margins; turns reddish-purple in autumn
- Flower: Dense spherical cymes of sterile creamy-white blooms that mature to soft pink
- Stem: Woody upright stems with smooth gray bark when young
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Apply balanced granular fertilizer once in early spring. Top-dress with compost annually to improve soil structure and nutrient content
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solids to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage new growth for next year's blooms
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Thin overcrowded stems to maintain a rounded, open habit
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with purity and renewal in traditional European garden symbolism
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; cut blooms for fresh floral arrangements
