Dusty Miller Plants – Tips For Dusty Miller Care
Do you know What is Dusty Miller Plants? The Dusty Miller Plants have dusty leaves and can add a great backdrop for the other plants in the garden, that is why they are also called silver dust. Senecio cineraria (Dusty miller plant) is known for the silver-colored foliage that looks unique in your garden landscapes. Though the plants are easy to care for in the growing phase just like dolphin succulent plant, they need some special care. The plants with dusty leaves add a great backdrop for the other plants in the garden, that is why they are also called silver dust.
The botanical name of the Dusty miller is Jacobaea Maritima, though Dusty miller’s name is for the plants that have dusty grayish or silverish leaves. The plant is perennial in some areas whereas annual in others. They are hardy in winter, but they can survive the cold season in some maintained cold conditions. Dusty miller plants need sun, well-drained soil, and acidic soil.
The flowers appear to bloom in the summertime and have a USDA hardy zone of 8 through 11. Dusty miller’s temperature tolerance range is 40-62 degrees Fahrenheit. But just not this, we need to take a deep look at the care of the dusty miller plant. Let’s get started.
Growing dusty miller plants from seed
You need to sow the seeds in the ground after the last frost of spring and when the seedlings appear after 1-2 weeks, the round foliage appears and later reaches a height of one foot. The plant will reach this height in the first year.
Dusty miller plant care indoor
If you are thinking of not landing dusty miller in the landscape, instead want dusty miller plants indoors. Caring for them won’t be a tough task.
They are easy to care for and grow just like the lemon bush. The dusty miller plants grow well in full sun but partial shade is also what they like. They look extra attractive in shade. But make sure they get enough sunlight first.
The pot should have moist and drained soil, to avoid root rot. Dusty miller is drought tolerant in the later stages of its life. As they grow more inches and are well-established, you need to move them to a bigger pot.
Care tips for your Dusty Miller plants
1. Dusty miller light requirement
To give the dusty miller plants, bright color, and good blooms, full sun is needed. Partial shade, if provided to the plant will not harm them, as hairy appearance is enhanced by giving them some shade during the day. Silver dust plants need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight to thrive well.
2. Dusty miller soil requirements
- The pH of the soil: 5.5-6
- Well-drained soil and have compost for both flower beds or container
- Potting soil in a container should be used
- Spacing of 22-30 cm between the pants will be beneficial
“To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be without our roots.”
– By Richard Mabey
3. Dusty miller’s water requirements
No regular watering is needed for growing dusty miller plants. Silver dust needs water at least one time a week after which it will grow tall, don’t ask for a drop if the light is not that strong.
But if the conditions are harsh, you need to water them two times a week. An inch of water supply in a week is sufficient for silver dust.
4. Mulch
Mulching the soil that has silver dust will keep the soil moist for the plant for a long time. This will eradicate the need for water supplying silver dust twice a week(harsh conditions).
5. Dusty miller temperature requirements
The temperature should be high in your region if you are thinking of planting dusty miller plants. The temperature range is 40-60 degrees F. They are Mediterranean plants and need sun and a hot climate to thrive.
6. Dusty miller’s fertilizer requirement
Dusty miller doesn’t demand many nutrients like other plants. The soil should have compost in it, for the healthy growth of the plant.
The plants being light feeders can easily grow in soil that is not well-supplemented. In such cases, provide a light amount of fertilizer to the plant every day so that the plant stays healthy.
7. Pruning
The dusty miller needs to be cut in half of its size as it has attained a gid height. A healthy plant will grow well and to maintain its energy well, you need to prune them.
Dusty miller will get more lush leaves with pruning. If you want flowers that’s fine, but if you don’t want to see them with the silver leaves then you can remove them by using scissors or using your fingers.
8. Propagation
Propagating dynasty miller is possible. The reason can be you want an extended flower bed or more copies of plants to provide contrast to the other plants. The step is simple: just cut off the stem and place them in a container having water, for a week.
As the tiny tender roots will appear you can plant them in the soil. Just not stem, root division will also result in the propagation of dusty miller plants.
9. Transplanting
Use a big size container that has a good number of drainage holes, if you are transplanting in the pot. If in the ground, make sure the soil is airy enough and has large pores.
The root balls should be placed gently and the soil is lightweight surrounding this root ball. Add a good amount of water to make the soil moist and get deeply penetrated the soil.
10. Problems and pests
- Dusty millers are strong plants because of the resistance they have from many problems like drought, shade, deer, etc.
- The soil simply needs to be draining well, the air should be properly moving, and well-spaced plants, you will not see rotting conditions near this plant.
- Aphids and fungi are some agents that can cause problems for Dusty miller.
- Wilting can happen when the plant is not getting enough water.
Benefits of Dusty miller
- They make an excellent border and best contrasting options whether with an ornamental plant or a blooming option.
- Dusty miller plants are great eye-catchers in shady spots as well as moonlight.
- They are indeed one of the best ornamental plants.
Toxicity
Silver dust plants are toxic to many pets and humans as well. It is advisable to keep them away from children and dogs so that they don’t munch on them.
The sap of dusty miller also causes skin rashes and eaves are not meant to ingest at all, which can be harmful to the liver.
For further details on dusty miller care, you can take a look at this video.
Wrapping up the Context
In this guide, you come to know that The botanical name of Dusty miller is Jacobaea Maritima, though Dusty miller’s name is for the plants that have dusty grayish or silverish leaves. The plant is perennial in some areas whereas annual in others. They are hardy in winter, but they can survive the cold season in some maintained cold conditions. Dusty miller plants need sun, well-drained soil, and acidic soil. The flowers appear to bloom in the summertime and have a USDA hardy zone of 8 through 11.
Thanks for reading! Happy Gardening!
FAQs
1. Do you pinch dusty miller?
Pinching dusty miller can be profitable. Pinching will let the tip grow more stems and ultimately the silver leaves which are the star of the show. You can pinch the tip stem with your fingers and you’ll see some new and more growths from this region.
2. Is Dusty Miller a good houseplant?
Dusty millers equally grow well inside the house, you need to plant them in a pot with proper drainage and in a corner having at least 4 houses for light, they will be perfectly healthy houseplants.
3. Why is my Dusty miller turning green?
Many times if the dusty miller plants are not getting a good amount of sunlight, then such discoloration starts to occur. The leaves might turn green due to an inadequate amount of light. Too much shade can lead to a change in the color of the leaves of silver dust plants.
4. What flowers look good with Dusty Miller?
Begonias, marigolds, and brightly colored flowers go well with these beautiful backgrounds creating dusty miller plants. Colors like purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow complement the silver dusty plants.
