Silver Leafed Senecios
Senecio are very interesting and diverse plants with over 1,000 species of this plant found all over the world. This group of plants is part of the daisy family and includes common perennials and weeds as well as succulents. These plants generally grow in a Mediterranean climate with dry soils, in full sun and warm temperatures, but can also be found in some mountainous areas. The name is Latin and means “old man”.
Silver leafed foliage plants are a great compliment to flowering annuals. Mix it with flowers that bloom in shades of magenta, pink, red, or violet. You can even plant it with contrasting dark colored flowers or foliage such as a deep purple and black. These plants also can be used in a “moon garden” because the foliage reflects the moonlight. You might want to try growing them with succulents.
We are going to focus on two tender perennials Dusty Miller Senecio cineraria or Jacobaea maritima and a new variety introduced in 2017, Senecio candicans Angel Wings. These plants are annuals but can also be a houseplant.
Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller’s foliage has a silvery white appearance and it feels wooly. When the leaves are wet they will appear green. The leaves are spear-shaped. The plant can grow up to 2 feet high and wide, but when grown as an annual it will not grow this large. It is usually grown as ornamental foliage.
The plant is a tender perennial. It is hardy for zones for 8 to 10, but I have read about people growing it through zones 4 and 5, with some varieties being tolerant to cold. Since the plant is Mediterranean in origin, it is drought and heat tolerant and prefers full sun. If it has too much shade, the plant becomes leggy. It is also deer and rabbit repellent.
Senecio Angel Wings
There was a tremendous buzz when this plant was introduced at the 2017 California Spring Trials. Angel Wings has stunning velvety silvery white foliage which has a "metallic" look. The leaves are not only large but also fast growing. The shape of the foliage looks like angel wings. The plant can be used in mixed containers or by itself. The plant also looks great as a border.
This versatile plant is not fussy about soil conditions and is drought tolerant. Senecio Angel Wings is also deer and rabbit repellent. It will grow around 8 to 16 inches high and is hardy in Zones 8 to 10. This plant can make a sensational new addition to your garden.
