[Overview]
An evergreen perennial growing 20–90 cm tall.
The leaves are basal, rounded heart-shaped, about 3–10 cm across, and shallowly 5–9-lobed.
The leaf margins are toothed.
The leaves have long petioles.
There are cultivars with a variety of leaf colors.
A long flower stalk is sent up, bearing a slender spike or raceme of 5-petaled flowers.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by stem cuttings.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated site.
Some cultivars suffer leaf scorch in direct summer sun, so move potted plants to partial shade in summer, and plant those in the ground under deciduous trees or similar.
Take care not to let it become too wet when watering; for established plants, water thoroughly after the soil dries if potted, and rainfall is sufficient if planted in the ground.
Small seedlings and plants being raised should be kept constantly moist and not allowed to dry out.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
If the site is well ventilated and well drained, no particular pests or diseases occur.
