Senecio - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Senecio fulgens, commonly known as Orange Thistle, is a small shrub native to KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It grows to a height of 2-5ft and thrives in full sun and dry conditions. Its ornamental foliage and brilliant yellow and orange flowers make it a valued garden plant, and it also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The best time to sow seed is in autumn or winter, and it can successfully be grown in USDA zones 9-11.

When grown in a pot in colder areas, Senecio fulgens needs to be kept in a sunny spot and watered sparingly. For best results, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix. Water only when the surface of the soil feels dry to touch, as overwatering can cause root rot and other health issues. During the winter months, it may go dormant and lose its leaves. This is normal and no additional water is needed during this time.

Fertilizing can be done in the spring, using an all-purpose fertilizer. To encourage bushier growth, prune Senecio fulgens throughout the growing season. During the dormant winter period, it can be trimmed down to the desired shape.

Senecio fulgens is a stunning addition to any garden and is surprisingly easy to care for. By following the proper care and planting guidelines, you can have a beautiful shrub that not only provides vibrant colors throughout the season but also attracts wildlife.

Senecio medley-woodii is a small plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It is adapted to subtropical to warm temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It also tolerates moderate water but can survive both wet and dry conditions. The leaves are yellow-green with white, velvety patches. The flowers are yellow or orange and bloom intermittently throughout the summer.

This plant can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder regions, it can be grown in a pot and brought inside during cold temperatures. Plant it in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to very little. Pruning is not necessary but can be done to maintain the desired shape. This plant is fairly low-maintenance and makes for an excellent choice for landscapes and gardens in warmer climates.

Senecio includes over 1000 species from all over the world. A large number of these species are common perennial or annual weeds, but some are succulent and caudiciforms from tropical and subtropical areas. A number of succulent relatives have now been moved to the genus Kleinia. The genus Curio contains over 20 species, all of them formerly belonging to the genus Senecio.

An evergreen succulent shrub of the family Asteraceae, native to Southern Africa, named after one of its native localities Barberton and is now also being cultivated for its drought resistance, clusters of sweetly scented, golden-yellow, tufted flower heads in winter and attractiveness to butterflies, the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) in particular.

Senecio articulatus has fat cylindrical stems with periodic constrictions, giving an impression of sausage-links. These are decoratively enhanced by reddish-purple markings. The notched and dissected leaves are a bright green, sometimes flushed with purple.

These species are leafy succulents, in that they store large amounts of water in their leaves (as opposed to stems as do the cacti) and can withstand long periods of drought. Gooseberry leaves are football shaped and about 3/8 inch long. The unique shapes of the fleshy leaves greatly reduce the surface area exposed to the hot and dry environment, so they lose a bare minimum of the precious water extracted from the soil. The reduced surface area, however, limits the amount of the sun's energy the plants can absorb for photosynthesis. Nature's way of compensating for this limited external surface area is to have a 'window' or slit of transparent tissue in each leaf that allows light to enter and be absorbed by the photosynthetic cells lining the inside. Therefore, light absorption occurs on the outer surface as well as the inner surface. This allows the plant to produce a sufficient amount of food by photosynthesis while conserving its water. The central core of each leaf is composed of clear, non-pigmented water storage cells. See Senecio rowleyanus.

Curio rowleyanus (Senecio rowleyanus), also called String of pearls, is an excellent groundcover for dry rock gardens or for edging garden paths. It is a low-growing plant, and can cope with a variety of light exposures, from full sun to semi-shade. It has attractive white and off-white flowers that are highly fragrant, and its small succulent leaves are low maintenance and thrive in dry, sandy conditions. In the right environment, this plant can quickly spread and form a beautiful, green tangle that adds texture and scent to the landscape.

Plant is native to South Africa, and is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11. Plants in colder climates should be grown in pots and brought inside during the winter months. Potted plants require well-drained soil. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, reducing watering even further during winter when the plant is resting.

Overall, Curio rowleyanus is a great choice for those looking for an aromatic, drought-tolerant groundcover for gardens or containers. With its colourful and fragrant flowers combined with its low-maintenance attributes, this plant is sure to add interest to any outdoor space.

A great plant for beginners! Very fast growing, drought resistant, seldom bothered by pests and minimum care is rewarded with impressive floral displays! This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. It is a fairly rampant, warm climate climber with thick evergreen leaves which deep green color provides a rich background for the brilliant flowers. It covers itself in brilliant bright orange daisy-like flowers about 1 inch in diameter, borne in small clusters. See Article about Mexican Flame Vine

A small shrub that grows between two and five feet tall, Senecio cineraria is a plant native to Central America and is grown widely in USDA Zone 9-11. It thrives in full sun, as well as semi-shade, and needs moderate water--sufficient to keep its soil evenly moist. This plant features ornamental foliage in shades of grey, green, and silver with brilliant yellow and orange flowers that are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing and caring for your Senecio cineraria can be a bit of a challenge in a cold region. While the shrub can handle some dry weather, prolonged periods can cause the roots to die and the plant to develop a rust disease. To ensure success, you will need to water the soil deeply when it is dry, particularly until it is established, and keep it consistently moist. Mulching can help to retain moisture, but make sure to keep mulch away from where the stems meet the soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring for maximum health and blooms.

With proper care, your Senecio cineraria will fill your garden or container with lush foliage and captivating blooms that bring with them the beauty of nature and the joy of their feathered and butterfly guests.

An evergreen perennial plant native to South Africa, Senecio macroglossus (Flowering Ivy) is a vigorous and low-growing groundcover that, when given a support, can grow up to two feet in height. It is important to distinguish between the two distinct types of growth for this plant: those that grow on the ground and those that climb.

This perennial is a pleasant addition to any garden, featuring green, glossy leaves on long, trailing stems. In full sun it does best and in partial shade, it is also quite successful. Senecio macroglossus is not particularly fussy about water requirements and depends on the environment, generally preferring regular but light irrigation, although it can tolerate moderate water and occasional dry conditions when grown in pots.

Aside from its attractive foliage, the plant also boasts a dazzling display of yellow, orange daisy-like flowers which add a stunning splash of color to any garden. It typically flowers in the late spring/early summer, but can bloom throughout the year in tropical climates. It also makes a beautiful hanging basket.

When growing Senecio macroglossus in cold regions, it is important to pot it up and bring it indoors during the colder months to ensure it survives. The plant must be well-drained, so adding some extra drainage material to the pot is recommended. Gardening gloves are also a must, as some parts of the Senecio macroglossus can be irritating to the skin.

Its bright and vibrant look make the Senecio macroglossus an attractive addition to any garden: from balconies and patios to a more expansive outdoor space. With its bright yellow daisy-like flowers and glossy foliage, this charming plant can create a tropical look and feel to any outdoor area.