Senecio cineraria

Families: Asteraceae, Compositae

Common name: DUSTY MILLER

Synonym: Cineraria maritima

Native to: Cosmopolitan

Plant

Types: annual, perennial

Form: clumping

Leaves evergreen

Max height: 1 foot

Max width: 1.20 feet

Flower

yellow

Leaf

light

new growth distinct

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Plant features: evergreen

Exposure: part shade, sun

Landscape use: container

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zones: zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: +20 to +40 °F

Water: dry, regular

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Boloria epithore

Boloria kriemhild

Danaus plexippus

Heliopetes ericetorum

apical

profile

leaf

margin

leaf

There are 1666 species of Senecio, a member of the Compositae (Aster) family. It also goes by the name DUSTY MILLER. Senecios in cultivation are cineraria (perennial), glastifolius (perennial), mandraliscae (cactus and succulent), rufiglandulosus (cactus and succulent), and serpens (cactus and succulent). They flower in summer, range in height from 1 to 3½ feet, and will grow in moderate to dry conditions. Most are hardy to Zone 9.

Senecio cineraria, is grown as either a perennial or an annual. It grows to 1' high and 1.3' wide in sun or part shade in well-drained soil in Zone 9 or 10. The simple leaves are alternate, light, hairy, toothed, ovate and blunt tipped. Grow it from seed and try it in a container. Give it regular or dry water. The yellow flowers come out in summer.

As a Compositae it appeals to a great many butterflies.
Senecio in particlar appeals to:
Atrytonopsis deva, Deva Skipper
Rekoa palegon, Gold-bordered Hairstreak
Apodemia mormo, Mormon Metalmark

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.

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