Jacobaea maritima
This rugged herbaceous perennial is comfortable growing in harsh environments, yet is graceful enough to use in your garden. Jacobaea maritima is a plant one can easily fall in love with. It is commonly referred to as Dusty Miller, not only sharing the common name with Centaurea cineraria, but also its ornamental value. The plant is used in similar ways as well, making appearances in sea-side, moon, and Mediterranean garden designs.
The habit and overall size of the two plants are somewhat different. Make sure you have the right plant when purchasing as confusion in the nursery trade creates the sale of mislabeled plants. To read about the differences between the two plants visit this article.
Jacobaea maritima in the background with Centaurea cineraria in the front
Origin:
Jacobaea – Possibly derived from St. James or Jacobus
maritima – inhabits coastal areas, of the sea
Family – Asteraceae
Nativity – Western and Central Mediterranean
Hardiness – USDA Zones 7-11 / Some people report it surviving zone 5 winters
Description:
Form – Silver Ragwort can reach a height of 3 ft. and spread to 1 ft. Rarely seen in their mature stature in gardens
Foliage – Bolder leaf than C. cineraria, less pinnately divided with more lobes. Some cv. lack sinus. Tomentum can wear off, exposing green. Gray and silver foliage dies back when plants in flower.
Flower – Cluster of small yellow daisies resembling Jacobaea vulgaris, hence Silver Ragwort. Straight species will flower in the second year, some cultivars are bred to rarely produce flowers.
Culture:
Soil – Well-draining with low fertility is ideal
Light – Full sun, shade will reduce glaucous foliage appearance
Propagation – Seeds can be sown in February-March. Seeds are vulnerable to damping-off. Cuttings are the asexual method.
Problems – Seedling damping off and root and stem rot
Use – Coastal gardens, moonlight gardens, added structure, silver foliage is perfect for a sunny spot that needs a cooler plant palette, cut flower foliage
Comments – Formerly known as Senecio cineraria and Centaurea maritima. The common name is shared with at least 3 other plants. Can be combine with Geranium psilostemon, Silene coronaria, Penstemon digitalis ‘Dark Towers’, Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascense’.
Cultivars:
J. maritima ‘Cirrus’
J. maritima ‘Silverdust’
J. maritima ‘White Diamond’
J. maritima ‘New Look’
♥ Find your Dusty Miller at Seedville USA nursery.
References
