Botanical Name:
Senecio cineraria
Life Cycle:
annual, tender perennial
Planting Time:
spring or summer
Height:
8" to 15" as annuals; 2' to 2.5' as perennials
Exposure:
full sun
Soil:
average, well drained soil; tolerant of poor soil conditions
Hardiness:
zones 8-10
Bloom Time:
summer
Flower:
inconspicuous
Foliage:
silver-gray, hairy leaves
Propagation:
seeds or cuttings
Suggested Use:
beds, edgings, borders or cut flowers
Growing Hints:
Start with plants, cuttings or sow seeds directly in the garden (after night temperatures warm to 50ºF in cooler zones). After roots become established, water only moderately every 7 to 10 days to avoid root rot. In zones 8-10, Dusty Miller can be grown as a biennial, and can be grown as an annual in zones 3-7.
Interesting Facts:
Native to southern Europe, Dusty Miller is grown primarily for its attractive silver-gray foliage and most gardeners prefer to cut off the flowers to encourage leaf growth. Its deer resistant silvery foliage is also lovely in the moonlight.
