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

Senegalia greggii, Acacia greggii

Senna alata, Cassia alata

Senna alata is a large shrub or small tree native to South America. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to 5-10 ft tall as a shrub and 10-20 ft as a small tree. To successfully cultivate Senna alata, it is important for the plant to be in full sun with regular waterings. The sun will provide the necessary heat for the yellow and orange flowers to bloom, providing beautiful colors and textures to any landscape.

Senna alata is an ethnomedical plant, meaning it has many medicinal uses. In particular, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the flowers have been used to treat tinea versicolor and ringworm infections. The beauty of this plant also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

When it comes to caring for this plant, Senna alata is a deciduous plant, meaning it will lose its foliage in the fall and winter. During this time, mature plants have proven to be cold hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as 30s F for a short period of time. For colder regions, Senna alata should be grown in pots and winterized, to prevent damage from the cold.

For those looking for a statement plant with medicinal purposes, Senna alata is a great choice. With flowering clusters, bright green foliage and cold hardiness, it's sure to bring life to any existing landscape, as well as provide potential health benefits.

Senna artemisioides subsp. artemisioides

Silvery-grey quick-growing shrub with scented golden-yellow flowers in winter. Propagation: Seeds

Senna artemisioides subsp. sturtii.