Overview
Senecio thapsoides is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Senecio, part of the Asteraceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Senecio thapsoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Senecio thapsoides is a columnar upright cultivar within the diverse genus Senecio, which includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and climbing plants, some with succulent traits. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH, preferring full sun or partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, informal borders, patios, and container planting. Interest is mainly in spring and summer, with propagation by seed sown with heat or division in early spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Senecio
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Senecio thapsoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Senecio thapsoides
- Propagation
- Seed sown with heat in spring, Division in spring as growth begins
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs, Scale insects, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Rust, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Senecio thapsoides?
Senecio thapsoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Senecio thapsoides need?
Senecio thapsoides grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Senecio thapsoides hardy in the UK?
Senecio thapsoides 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 thapsoides?
Seed sown with heat in spring, Division in spring as growth begins.
More in the Senecio genus
- Senecio angustifolia
- Senecio oxyriifolius
- Senecio palmeri 'Silver and Gold'
- Senecio polyodon var. subglaber
- Senecio from Colombia