Silver

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Senecio

Species

cineraria

Description

An ornamental herb native to the Mediterranean, with an upright habit and vigorous growth; it has highly decorative silvery foliage that glows in the sunlight or moonlight, covered in a silky down. Used to decorate flowerbeds and borders, as well as terraces and balconies in planters and large window boxes, it is also ideal for creating harmonious colour effects when combined with species bearing flowers in shades of pink, magenta and purple, or with ornamental foliage in dark tones. Easy to grow, it is characterised by its hardiness as well as its high resistance to dry heat and salt spray in coastal areas.

Varietal description

Cineraria is a plant often used in floral arrangements thanks to the silvery colour of its leaves, which bring out the warm colours or pastel shades of the flowers with which it is combined in flowerbeds and planters. It can also be placed on a terrace in window boxes at least 50 cm long. Ideal for seaside resorts as it is very hardy. It is not affected by heat, dry conditions or even the salty sea winds.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Senecio, derives from the Latin *senex* (meaning ‘old’), in reference to the fine, white-haired down that covers the plant, whilst the specific epithet, *cineraria*, derives from the Latin *cinerarius* due to the colour of the foliage.

It is said to possess astringent and anti-inflammatory properties for the eyes.

The family to which it belongs, Asteraceae ( ), is of significant economic importance, as it includes numerous plants cultivated both for food, such as the artichoke and the sunflower, and for ornamental purposes, such as Senecio, Aster, Ageratum, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Gerbera and Tagetes.

Origin and Diffusion

Also known as Jacobaea maritima, it is native to the coastal and rocky habitats of the western and central Mediterranean basin, and has spread to Northern Europe, America, Western Asia and North Africa as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

The individual flowers are small, clustered in bright corymbs.

Leaf

The leaf has animparipinnate blade, with the lobes covered in dense, silky hairs that make it more resistant to dry heat.

Flowering period

It is the foliage that plays a key role in giving this variety its ornamental value, as it is a plant with decorative leaves.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence corymb.

Leaf color

Plain-coloured foils with high decorative value.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 m.

Lifespan

Perennial plant, often cultivated as an annual depending on the climatic conditions in the geographical area of use.

Suggested planting locations

Its silvery foliage creates dramatic colour accents making it suitable for outdoor ponds, borders

Stem/stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is small and pom-pom-shaped, with solid-coloured petals. It grows in corymb-like inflorescences.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth.

Plant habit

Thanks to its upright growth habit, it can easily be combined with other ornamental species, creating a pleasing overall effect through a variety of colours and heights.

branching

It develops by producing Medium branching, giving the plant a well-tended, leaf-rich appearance.

pH

The optimal pH of the Soil/medium is sub-acidic, with values between 5.6 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones, then work in some slow-release fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients needed for the seedling’s initial growth after planting, and break up any large clods of earth. To improve drainage of excess water, continue by creating a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, level the surface carefully and mark out the planting holes at a suitable density.

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sun exposure

It adapts well to various light conditions, such as partial shade, dappled shade, full sun and afternoon sun; if possible, place it in the brightest spot to achieve the best vegetative growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 6 to 34 °C, a very wide temperature range that reflects the plant’s resistance to high temperatures – a factor of significant importance in light of current climate change, with summers becoming increasingly hot. The ideal temperature ranges from 16 to 22 °C; it also grows in hot, dry conditions and in the presence of strong winds blowing in from the sea.

Use

Owing to the high aesthetic value of its foliage and its hardiness, it is prized by landscape architects, nursery growers and gardening enthusiasts of all levels of experience as a plant for

Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

It is highly hardy and can withstand dry, hot conditions.

Soil/medium

It prefers a medium-textured, loosely loosened soil; a well-draining, peat- and perlite-based substrate for spring plants is recommended for use in tubs and planters.

Maintenance

It is extremely easy to manage and maintain, and the level of effort required is, on the whole,low.

cultivation tips

Below are some tips and cultivation considerations to bear in mind to ensure the plant performs at its best during its growth phase:

Expose the plant to as much light as possible It prefers a hot, dry climate

Composition

Thanks to the decorative effect of the foliage, it is suitable for emphasising the flowering of other ornamental species, in particular we recommend using it in compositions with Argyranthemum foeniculaceum, Artemisia, Begonia x hybrida, Begonia semperflorens, Catharanthus roseus, Dianthus, Lobularia maritima, Pelargonium x hybrida, Pericallis, Petunia, Salvia farinacea, Salvia splendens, Impatiens New Guinea Sunpatiens, Verbena x hybrida, Zinnia marylandica.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of 20 plants per square metre is recommended in order to achieve a well-proportioned overall composition and ensure optimal vegetative growth for each plant.

Reproduction/Propagation

By seed or apical cutting.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water or water from an irrigation channel with a neutral pH, either by watering by hand or using an irrigation system. When transplanting, help the seedling settle into its new location by keeping the soil at a constant moisture level, whilst avoiding waterlogging. Thereafter, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings. Water sparingly, as the plant is sensitive to overwatering, and avoid watering the above-ground parts of the plant from above in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

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Fertilization

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil. Once the plants have become properly established in their new location, apply fertiliser regularly but without over-fertilising, adding a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering plants to the soil or growing medium, diluted in the irrigation water.

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Pet friendly

No known toxicity following ingestion; do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

It may be toxic if ingested in certain quantities.

advise 1

Cineraria is a plant ideal for mixed plantings thanks to the silvery colour of its leaves, which bring out the warm colours or pastel shades of the flowers it is combined with. It is suitable for growing in medium-sized planters and on balcony planters at least 50 cm long. It is also suitable for flowerbeds and planters near the sea, as it tolerates dry conditions and the salty sea breeze. According to folk medicine, this plant has decongestant properties specifically for the eyes: it is used in the preparation of eye drops and in the treatment of cataracts.