Senecio polyodon

Senecio polyodon is a little-known, hardy, floriferous South African species of senecio. This small perennial is suitable for dry soil and sun and has abundant and long-lasting, small bright magenta pink daisies, carried by branched stems. After a short summer rest, it flowers again in September, on a lovely rounded tuft adorned with light green and evergreen foliage. Hardy down to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil, it perfectly withstands the driest summers. This plant is ideal for a dry garden or a scorching rockery. Its small bright pink flowers also make adorable bouquets.

Senecio polyodon is an evergreen perennial of the asteraceae family, originating from the provinces of Lesotho and Swaziland in South Africa, perfectly adapted to heat and summer drought. In the wild, this senecio is found in rocky or sandy, well-drained, often poor and limestone soil. The plant grows in tussocks, meaning it forms a mound of foliage, which regrows on its old roots, and decomposing dead leaves. Once mature, this perennial presents forms a compact, rounded clump, 30 cm (12in) tall and 50 cm (20in) wide. It will flower in summer (from June until frost) or spring with a second flowering in September, depending on the climate. The flowers are carried by branched stems 40 cm (16in) tall, tinged with beige, gathered in corymbs. They are small, daisies with a collar of bright pink petals surrounding a cream to pale yellow heart. The light vivid green leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical and stem-clasping with a toothed edge. The seeds disperse easily with the wind, self-seeding in light soil.

Senecio polyodon is an excellent perennial for dry gardens or coastal areas, in a rockery or gravel bed, or even as a border, with silver foliage plants such as artemisias, Centaurea pulcherrima, curry plant or Atriplex. It will create harmony with red salvias (shrubs or herbaceous), magenta columbines, blue cornflowers and perennial flax, or even Epilobium canum 'Western Hills' with orange trumpets all summer without maintenance or watering!