Perennials: Senecio viravira

description for "Perennials: Senecio viravira"

Dusty miller is part of a large group of plants that are found world wide. The botanical name comes from the Latin senex (old man), referring to the fluffy white seed heads. This Argentina native is an evergreen sub-shrub with a broad, sprawling growth habit. The foliage is its attraction! The shoots are densely covered with white hairs and the deeply cut silvery white leaves are 3 inches long. It makes a great addition to any border where it will create interesting contrasts with other plants in the garden. The creamy white flowers arrive in summer and fall but are not very showy. Pinch young plants to keep plant compact. Heavy pruning is okay and requires only moderate water. Use in containers, borders, window boxes and flower arrangements. (In the western U.S., there are four plants that share the common name dusty miller. They are: They all have gray foliage. However, they all look quite different from each other.) -- edited by dtd pbcouchman

History:

Senecio viravira is native to Argentina.