Dusty Miller

Also known as: Silver ragwort, Senecio cineraria, Cineraria maritima

Jacobaea maritima, commonly known as Dusty Miller, is a short-lived perennial often grown as an annual for its striking silvery-white foliage. The deeply lobed, felted leaves form a compact, clump-forming mound, providing excellent textural contrast in borders and containers. In summer, small daisy-like yellow flowers appear on upright stems, but the plant is primarily valued for its ornamental leaves. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is ideal for adding brightness to sunny beds.

Dusty Miller

Scientific classification

Species: Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Asteraceae

Toxic if ingested; may cause liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Keep away from pets and children.
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial · Bedding · Foliage
Plant type: 0.3 - 0.6 metres
Height: 0.3 - 0.5 metres
Spread: Semi evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Dusty Miller pictures

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Distribution of Dusty Miller

Distribution map

Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa)

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; may cause liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Keep away from pets and children.

Quick identification of Dusty Miller

Information to be completed

Dusty Miller care guide

Water sparingly, allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings.
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water sparingly, allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing

Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season

Pruning

In early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to encourage fresh growth. Cut back flower stems after blooming to promote leaf production.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or summer: take 5–8 cm tip cuttings, remove lower leaves, and insert into a moist, well-drained cutting mix. Rooting occurs in 2–3 weeks at 18–20°C. Alternatively, sow seeds in spring at 15–20°C; lightly cover with compost and keep moist. Seedlings appear in 10–14 days.

Growing

Grow Dusty Miller in a position with full sun and very well-drained soil. It tolerates poor, sandy or chalky soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering leads to root rot. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to promote vigorous foliage. In colder climates, protect from frost or treat as an annual; plants can be overwintered indoors in a cool, bright spot. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy appearance.

More growing and care information →