Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' (White Diamond Dusty Miller) — Perennial

Overview

Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' is a perennial in the genus Senecio, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.0-7.5 pH. 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 'White Diamond' is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its silvery, felted foliage and compact habit, reaching about 0.6 m. It prefers full sun on a south-facing aspect and performs on a range of soils provided they drain. Flowering occurs from June to September. Take care: the plant is toxic if ingested.

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 'White Diamond' originates from Mediterranean-type regions and neighbouring territories and is cultivated largely for its tactile, silvery leaves rather than showy blooms. As a perennial it forms a neat mound to roughly 0.6 m and produces its flowers between June and September. Sit it in full sun on a south-facing aspect where airflow and drainage are good. It tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are moist but well-drained to well-drained, and prefers a neutral to slightly acid pH (about 6.0–7.5). In UK terms the cultivar is rated H4, meaning it will survive typical winters across much of the country without winter protection; it also corresponds to USDA zones 8–10. Use White Diamond Dusty Miller in border fronts, containers or as a light ground cover where contrast with darker foliage or summer bedding is required. Because the plant is toxic if ingested, avoid planting where children or pets are likely to sample foliage. After the flowering season tidy flower stems and remove any damaged leaves to maintain the clean, silvery mound that gives this cultivar its garden value.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Senecio

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' 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
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Pruning: Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
Propagation: Cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond'?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Where is the best place to plant Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond'?

Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' need?

Senecio cineraria 'White Diamond' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.0-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.