Growing Dusty Miller

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.