SafePlants

Cineraria: A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Dazzling Daisy Relative

Cineraria, often called Florist's Cineraria, is a popular choice for adding vibrant color to gardens and homes. This guide provides an overview of Cineraria plants, covering their characteristics, care requirements, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

• The Cineraria (also called Pericallis or Senetti) has been found to contain properties that may need consideration around pets.

Considerations for Children

• The Cineraria (also called Pericallis or Senetti) has been found to contain properties that may need consideration around children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: While "Cineraria" is commonly used, the proper scientific name can vary. Some species are classified under Senecio, while others are under Pericallis.
• Common Names: Florist's Cineraria, Silver Ragwort, Dusty Miller (specifically for Senecio cineraria)
• Synonyms: Senecio cineraria, Senecio maritimus, Senecio candicans, Cineraria maritima, Cineraria cruentus, Cineraria x hybrida, Senecio x hybridus.
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family), also known as Compositae.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native primarily to southern Africa, with some species found farther north.
• Cineraria pericallis x hybrida originated in the Canary Islands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Two distinct types: garden species like Dusty Miller (S. cineraria) and greenhouse varieties.
• Cineraria maritima 'Silver Dust' has ferny leaves that are silver-grey and woolly. It's a compact plant suitable for edging beds and borders.
• Cineraria is described as a half-hardy perennial, often treated as a half-hardy annual.
• Cineraria Cirrus is noted for its perfect silvery foliage and compact growth, making it ideal for containers.
• The proper name of Cineraria is Senecio cruentus. They produce masses of daisy-like flowers that cover the soft heart-shaped leaves.
• Leaves can be heart-shaped.

Ecological Role

• Andrena cineraria (ashy mining-bee) is associated with Cineraria. This ground-nesting bee often nests in large aggregations.

Quirky Facts

• Cineraria is known as the "first flower of spring."

Cultivation and Care

• Cineraria is often grown as a houseplant but can be grown outside in warmer conditions.
• Cineraria Cirrus seeds are suitable for bedding and offer a striking visual effect.
• The silvery leaves of Cineraria Cirrus enrich the color of dark or brightly colored flowers like petunias and begonias.
• Plant at the same depth as the pot, using a good proprietary container mix if planting in containers.

Uses

• Senecio or silver ragwort is grown for its feathery silver-white foliage and is a showy plant for creating contrast and interest.
• Cineraria eye drops are mentioned in the context of therapeutics and skincare.

Further Resources

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers information on Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'.
• HousePlant41.com provides information and pictures of Cineraria houseplants.
• Gertens provides information on how to grow and care for cineraria plants indoors.
• Kings Seeds offers a selection of Cineraria seeds for purchase.
• Mr Fothergill's Seeds and Plants offers Cineraria Cirrus Seeds.