Senecio cineraria Silver Dust

Silver Ragwort Silver Dust is a persistent shrub-like plant, cultivated as an annual for its decorative, cut, and silvery foliage.

Silver Ragwort belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known by many synonyms: Senecio maritimus, Senecio candicans, Cineraria maritima and Senecio bicolor ssp. cineraria.

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Senecio cineraria likes warm and sunny exposures as well as mild winters. It does not withstand temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) but tolerates maritime climates and sea spray well.

Senecio cineraria Silver Dust is a small bushy shrub that grows to a height of 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) with a similar width. Its leaves, 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in) long, are lanceolate or ovate and deeply cut, resembling oak leaves. The epidermis is velvety and particularly silvery white, hence the choice of this name: Silver Dust.

Although it has little appeal in terms of its foliage, it is worth noting the appearance of yellow flowers in July-August. These are 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) heads carried in trailing corymbs.

Silver Ragwort Silver Dust is used for the significant contrast it can create among beds of perennial or annual plants with vibrant colours. It has long been used in mosaic gardening. Planted along borders, it highlights beds and clearly defines short grass meadows. Finally, in pots and containers, it pairs well with the colourful foliage of purple Coleus and miniature Dahlias.