Botanical family: Asteraceae

Roldana petasitis, Senecio petasitis

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Rudbeckia sp.

The flowers are produced in daisy-like inflorescences, with yellow or orange florets arranged in a prominent, cone-shaped head. Most Rudbeckia come in shades of yellow or orange, with a dark center seed head, but there are also russet, bronze and mahogany tones.

Keep plants well watered the first season, to get them established. Once established, the will be quite drought resistant.

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Ligneous, odorous stems. Leaves profoundly divided, with round lobes, sometimes cotton-like , sometimes glabrous. Yellow flowers in globular heads, with long peduncles, consisting only of tubular flowers, very fragrant. The Lavender cotton is used as edging or ground cover. Low water usage when established, water every couple of weeks in summer. Needs good drainage. Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in summer.

Santolina virens

Santolina virens is an evergreen subshrub, mounding and low, resembles Santolina chamaecyparissus but the foliage is deep green, and the growth habit is more compact.

Schoenia cassiniana

A beautiful species from the deserts of Central Australia. A profusion of large bright pink blooms over several months from late winter to summer. Excellent for cut flowers or for drying and preserving.

Senecio angulatus

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

Senecio barbertonicus

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 cineraria, Cineraria maritima, Jacobaea maritima

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.

Senecio fulgens, Kleinia fulgens

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 kleiniiformis