PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright partial sun to full sun; provide afternoon shade in hot summer climates to prevent bloom fade
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely during active growth
Temperature
Thrives in cool temperate conditions; protect from extreme heat above 28°C and hard frost below -5°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped to ovate with slightly serrated edges; medium green, matte foliage
- Flower: Five-petaled blooms with a distinctive curved "horned" spur at the base; available in purple, blue, yellow, white, and bicolor varieties
- Stem: Slender, trailing to upright stems that spread slowly to form dense mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn and winter when growth slows
Banana Peel Tea：Chop 2-3 banana peels, soak in 1 liter of water for 3 days, dilute 1:10 with fresh water before applying to soil to support bloom productionPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim back leggy stems by one-third in mid-summer to promote compact, bushy growth
- Remove yellowed or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and tidy appearance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes modesty and faithfulness in Victorian floriography
Usage: Ornamental groundcover, container planting, and small cut flower arrangements
