Senecio - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 2)

Cape Ivy or German Ivy is considered a groundcover option and a low-growing plant, growing up to 2 feet tall depending on the climate. The plant prefers full sun or semi-shade and requires regular or moderate water. In cooler climates it should be grown in a pot and placed in full sun to help it survive properly. The vibrant yellow and orange flowers attract many hummingbirds and butterflies.

Cape Ivy does thrive in USDA zone 9-11, however, it can become an invasive ground cover for some climates, so it should be monitored. When planting in a garden bed, it is recommended to dig a trench and layer the surface with newspaper to prevent the roots from spreading. Pruning of the stems and flowers is also important to contain the plant's growth and should be done after flowering occurs.

Growth for this plant is normally slow, so fertilizer is not necessary. A layer of leaf mulch in the surrounding area helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds. The plant is tolerant to low temperatures and some frost however frost-tender leaves may discolor and damage if temperatures are too cold.

All in all, Senecio mikanioides or Cape Ivy or German Ivy, is an easy to care for, hardy plant that produces vibrant yellow and orange flowers in the spring. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is suitable for USDA zone 9 through 11 climates when care instructions are followed. Caring for the plant includes regular pruning, as well as preventing the root from spreading by layering the surface with newspaper. Fertilizer is not necessary for this slow-growing plant and leaf mulch should be used to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Kleinia pendula has prostrate marbled succulent stems that arch over and touch the soil where they root, sending out more stems. The inflorescence is a showy red pom-pom of many tiny flowers.

Roldana petasitis, or Velvet Groundsel, is a small shrub native to Mexico that typically grows between 2 and 5 feet tall. It has large round leaves tinged in purple and are hairy to the touch. When in bloom, the shrub produces bunches of yellow and orange daisy looking flowers. The flowers will then produce seeds in profusion which will be wind borne and can make it invasive if not properly managed.

When caring for Roldana petasitis, it needs to be situated in full sun or semi-shade and receive regular water. It is recommended to prune it hard after it blooms to maintain its shape and size. It is grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and can survive in cold regions when planted in a pot. If grown in a pot, it should be positioned in full sun and watered regularly as to not let the soil dry out. It should also be fertilized on a monthly basis to ensure healthy growth.

Creeping Groundsel is a bushy climber with large clusters of sweet-scented, yellow flowers. It has bright green, squarish, somewhat succulent leaves.

Curio is a genus of succulent plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that includes trailing, upright, and shrubby species valued for their unusual foliage forms and drought tolerance.

The genus Curio was separated relatively recently from the large and historically broad genus Senecio as part of modern taxonomic revisions within the tribe Senecioneae. Many plants still commonly sold under old Senecio names have since been reassigned to Curio, although the former names remain widespread in horticulture and online plant trade references.

What makes Curio plants distinctive?

Curio species are primarily native to arid and semi arid regions of southern Africa and show a wide range of succulent adaptations to drought. Depending on the species, plants may have bead like, curved, cylindrical, or finger shaped leaves, as well as trailing, upright, or shrubby growth forms. Some are valued for cascading stems in hanging baskets, while others are grown as sculptural container or landscape plants.

The foliage is often waxy or glaucous, helping reduce water loss and protect against intense sun. Flowers are usually small and daisy like in shades of white, cream, or yellow. Curio species generally prefer bright light, excellent drainage, and dry conditions. Most are suitable for USDA Zones 9-11, with some tolerating brief drops to around 25-30F when kept dry.

The plant is a hybrid between Curio rowleyanus and Curio articulatus.

The plant does well in hanging baskets, where its leaves can shower downward. The plant thrives under bright, indirect light with some morning sun and in semi-shade under moist conditions.

Farfugium japonicum grows in a loose clump about 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and wide spreading by rhizomes. Daisy-like yellow flowers, 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) across, are borne in loose clusters.

Some cultivars have shiny green leaves variegated with irregular creamy white or yellow markings.

Leopard Plant has been known under many names, including Ligularia tussilaginea, L. kaempferi, L. japonica, Senecio kaempferi, Tussilago japonicum, and Farfugium grande.