Botanical family: Asteraceae

Senecio macroglossus

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.

Senecio medley-woodii

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 mikanioides, Delairea odorata

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.

Senecio sp.

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.

Species and varieties:

Senecio angulatus

Senecio antandroi - endemic to Madagascar

Senecio anteuphorbium

Senecio articulatus

Senecio barbertonicus

Senecio cineraria

Senecio confusus

Senecio crassissimus

Senecio formosus

Senecio fulgens

Senecio haworthii

Senecio herreianus

Senecio kleiniiformis

Senecio macroglossus

Senecio medley-woodii

Senecio mikanioides

Senecio petasitis

Senecio praecox

Senecio rowleyanus

Senecio scaposus

Senecio serpens

Senecio tropaeolifolius

Senecio x peregrinus

Silybum marianum, Carduus marianus

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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A purple flower with prickly leaves whose name comes from the white veins on its leaves which exude a milky sap when broken.

Among all known herbal remedies, Milk Thistle finds its place as the leader in herbs to treat liver disease.

Smallanthus sonchifolius, Polymnia sonchifolia

Smallanthus sonchifolius, also known as Yakon or Bolivian Sunroot, is a plant native to the Andes that is grown from Colombia to Northern Argentina. The plant typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet and prefers full sun and well-draining soils. Yellow to orange flowers can be expected throughout the growing season.

The edible roots of Yacon are very juicy and crisp and have a flavor that resembles a blend of watermelon, apple, and pear. Its sweetness derives from the low-calorie sugar substitute it contains, making it an ideal addition to weight loss plans or low-sugar diets. In addition to its culinary uses, Yacon has long been used as a medicine by many cultures. Its leaves are often used as a wrap for food during cooking, while its roots are known to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic properties.

Yacon is a hardy plant and can tolerate temperatures down to at least 30F for a short period of time, making it suitable for gardens in USDA zones 7-10. In warmer regions, it can be planted in the ground and can produce up to 30 tubers per plant. However, in cold regions, it is best grown in containers to protect the tubers from freezing.

The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked and can be added to a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, stir-fries, juices, and fried dishes. They can also be stored for up to ten days by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them in a cool, dark place.

Overall, Yacon is a delicious and versatile plant with a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. It is also a unique and fun plant to grow for a fall harvest.

Stevia rebaudiana, Eupatorium rebaudianum

Stevia rebaudiana is a herbaceous perennial, which is normally used as a natural herbal sweetener. This is a plant where the native Guarani have used caa-ehe (stevia) for over 1500 years to sweeten otherwise unpalatable medicinal drinks. It is a short day plant, growing up to 1.5Ft in the wild and flowering from January to March in the southern hemisphere. The dried leaves can be ground and used as a sweetener or soaked in water and the liquid used in making preserves. The powdered leaves are also added to herb teas. The leaves are sometimes chewed by those wishing to reduce their sugar intake. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Stevia grows naturally on infertile, sandy acid soils with shallow water tables. This is normally in areas like the edge of mashes and grassland communities. The natural climate is semi-humid subtropical. While the herb's native locale may make it appear somewhat exotic, it has proved to be quite adaptable and capable of being cultivated in climate zones as diverse as Florida and southern Canada.

Stifftia chrysantha

Stifftia chrysantha is an exotic, rare flowering small tree with spectacular flowers, endemic to the vast tropical savanna ecoregion of Brazil called Cerrado.

It grows into a bushy, attractive tree between 8 and 15 ft. tall, and starts flowering within 1.5 - 2.5 years from seed. It is a very rewarding plant that blooms 9 months out of the year, starting in Winter with great intensity during July-September, with each flower staying on the plant for several weeks. Seeds ripen from September through November.

The tree belongs to Aster family and has nothing to do with Powderpuffs which are from Bean (Fabaceae) family. The flower has 30 to 40 green, imbricated scales with short hairs, and actinomorphic corollas are orange below and darker above. After flowering, the inflorescence blows apart, which would scatter seeds. The dried center remaining is very attractive, like a small dried flower, and lasts for many months.

Stifftia can be grown in full sun to partial shade and is relatively cold tolerant, can take short cold spells. Young plants have delicate tender leaves that need protection from hot sun, filtered light required until established.

Stifftia doesn't like wet feet and heavy/soggy soils; requires very well drained, acidic soil. We strongly recommend to use our professional soilless mix. Let soil slightly dry between waterings. Stifftia prefers acidic soils so if your well water is high in calcium, try to water my young plants with rain water (coming from a collection barrel). When making growing media specifically for Stifftia and other acid-loving plants, never add limestone or Dolomite to the mix.

The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade and is relatively cold tolerant, can take short cold spells. If grown in a pot, try to keep the container shaded because roots don't like to be overheated. The plant needs monthly applications of slow release fertilizer as well as extra iron - use micro-nutrients to keep leaves green and healthy.

In Brazil is is very popular as ornamental, and flowers are commercialized for floral arrangement.

Stoebe plumosa, Seriphium plumosum

Stoebe plumosa, also known as Slangbos, is a small shrub, native to South Africa, that can reach a height of 2-5 feet. Known for its enchanting ornamental foliage, vibrant shade of deep blue-green, and silver-white, clusters of fragrant, small-petalled flowers that blossom in late winter and early spring, it's no surprise that this beautiful shrub is considered a worthwhile investment.

Stoebe plumosa thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some light shade, and prefers moderate water. This plant is surprisingly drought-tolerant and is relatively drought-resistant once established. It possesses an unusual color and looks great in between other forms of low shrubbery or if planted in containers in warmer climates.

This hardy perennial shrub is ideal for many situations. It can be used as a early season plant near the front of the border, in a natural setting, or within a bed of other flowering shrubs for more of an ornamental effect.

In USDA Zones 9-11 Stoebe plumosa can be grown easily in the garden and provided with sufficient sunlight, ample water and a well-drained soil. In colder regions, Stoebe plumosa can be grown successfully in pots, but container-grown plants require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and regular feeding and pruning. For successful growth, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but never soggy; moderate water is essential for the best results.

For optimum health, Stoebe plumosa requires good exposure to sunlight and a correct amount of water. Fertilize regularly to promote growth, and consider pruning this evergreen shrub in the spring, to encourage new, healthy foliage and brighten up the existing branches. Regular prunnging helps to keep Stoebe plumosa healthy.

Stoebe plumosa is a fantastic plant for anyone's garden, providing an ornamental look throughout the year to delight the eye. With its unusual colorful foliage, it is a great choice to add texture and interest to any outdoor display.

Tagetes lemmonii

Lemon Marigold, also known as Copper Canyon Daisy, is a small shrub that can be trimmed to a groundcover level. However, it has the potential to reach a few feet in height if left unchecked. This plant is known for its aromatic, airy foliage and vibrant yellow daisy-like blooms. Its finely divided foliage releases a strong fragrance when touched or brushed against.

The orange-yellow flowers of Lemon Marigold appear in the fall and winter, with off bloom in other seasons. The flowering of this plant is triggered by short day lengths, so overcast weather can extend the flowering period into the spring. It is best to plant Lemon Marigold in sun or part shade in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant in coastal gardens, but looks best with a little irrigation. Too much water or too little light can lead to leggy plants that do not bloom well.

Lemon Marigold is a great choice for attracting butterflies to your garden. If you plan to keep this plant in a pot, it is important to use free-draining soil and water it frequently during the summer. In cold regions, a containerized Lemon Marigold can be overwintered by placing it in a protected position, such as a garage or greenhouse, during the harshest weather conditions. In USDA Zone 8-11, these plants can survive freezing temperatures as long as their roots are kept relatively dry and temperatures do not drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. It is a good idea to provide a winter layer of mulch around the plant to keep the roots insulated and the soil moist.