Overview
Senecio cineraria is a perennial in the genus Senecio, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Senecio cineraria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and groundcover. It is native to Africa, Europe, Asia-Temperate, Krym, Baleares, Spain, Corse and Greece.
About
Senecio cineraria is a perennial in the Asteraceae prized for its dense, silver, felt-like leaves. It typically grows to around 0.6 m and carries its foliage above branching stems. It flowers from June to September. It is often sold under the common name Dusty Miller.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Jacobaea maritima
About the genus
Senecio is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that includes groundsels and some ragworts. Variously circumscribed taxonomically, the genus Senecio is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. Plants of the World Online currently accepts 1482 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Senecio", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Senecio
In the garden
Senecio cineraria is a Mediterranean perennial native to parts of Africa, southern Europe and temperate Asia, grown principally for its silvery, tomentose foliage. The plant forms a compact mound of felted leaves and reaches roughly 0.6 m at maturity. It flowers between June and September. Give it full sun and a free-draining site; it will tolerate sandy, loamy or even clay soils provided they drain. Soil may be kept moderately moist but avoid waterlogging, which damages the crown. In UK terms it is rated H4 (average hardiness), so it withstands ordinary winter conditions across most lowland and sheltered suburban gardens but should be placed away from the coldest, exposed upland sites. Use Senecio cineraria at the front of borders, in gravel or Mediterranean-style beds, and in containers where its silver leaves provide contrast with deeper foliage or summer bedding. Because the foliage is the main feature, cut back spent flower stems as they finish and trim back any bare or straggly growth in spring to restore the compact, felted leaf display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Senecio
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Senecio cineraria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Groundcover
- Native to
- Africa, Europe, Asia-Temperate, Krym, Baleares, Spain, Corse, Greece
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Senecio cineraria
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Senecio cineraria?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Senecio cineraria?
Senecio cineraria prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Senecio cineraria need?
Senecio cineraria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Senecio cineraria?
Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Senecio cineraria grow?
Senecio cineraria reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Senecio cineraria hardy in the UK?
Senecio cineraria has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Senecio cineraria?
Seed, Cuttings.
More in the Senecio genus
- Senecio doronicumchamois ragwort
- Senecio smithiiMagellan ragwort
- Senecio tanguticus
- Senecio clivorum
- Senecio from Colombia