Senecio, commonly known as Candle plant, Dusty miller, Leopard’s bane ragwort, Purple ragwort, Cape ivy, Natal ivy, German ivy Parlor ivy, Blue chalksticks, Chinese groundsel is a group of annuals, biennials, herbaceous perennials, climbers, shrubs, and small trees, some of which are succulent. They are found worldwide in habitats ranging from mountains to seashores, and in dry to moist soils. The flowerheads are daisy-like in colors of yellow, white red, blue or purple, sometimes orange with yellow or purple centers. Most are grown for their white or silver foliage; stem leaves, if present, are smaller and alternate. Use annuals as bedding plants, or in containers. Grow small perennials in a scree bed or rock garden, and tall ones in a border or wild garden. Tender species should be grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse. All parts of the plant may cause medium discomfort if ingested.
USES: Containers, Hanging plants, Ground Cover, Houseplants, Patio, Pool / Hardscape, Small space, Walkways, Rock garden, Butterfly garden, Accent plants, Mass plantings, Borders, Attracts moths, Borders, Wild gardens
TOLERATES: Drought, Dry soil, Heat
Botanical Name: Senecio cineraria ‘Silverdust’
Common Name: Dusty miller, Silberblatt
Synonyms: S. Bicolor subsp. Cineraria, S candicans, S. maritimus
Type: Mound-forming, evergreen subshrub or shrub, usually grown as an Annual
Flower Color: Yellow flowerheads to 1 in. (2.5cm) across with finely cut, silvery white, velvety foliage on uniform plants.
Flowering Time: Midsummer, in the second year if plants overwinter
Plant Height: 12 in. (30cm)
Plant Width: 12 in (30cm)
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Average. Do not overwater
Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, well drained soil
USDA Zone: 8-11
AHS Heat Zone: 12-1
Hardiness Degree: 45°F (7.2°C)
Sowing Instructions (Cliff Notes Version): Sow seed in spring at 66-75°F (19-24°C). Take semi-ripe cuttings of white and silver forms in mid or late summer.
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