how do you care for a dusty miller plant

Dusty Miller Care

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How do you care for Dusty Miller?

Growing dusty miller can handle the heat, but is best planted where afternoon shade is available during the hottest months of summer. The dusty miller plant is adaptable to many soil types, thriving in acidic clay to sandy loam soils. The soil must be well-draining to avoid root rot.

How do you propagate Dusty Miller?

You can propagate dusty miller by cuttings in the spring, when plants are putting out the most rapid new growth. Cut off a six inch stem, and strip the leaves from the base. Dip in rooting hormone, and insert into moist potting soil. Keep moist and warm until new leaves begin to grow, then transplant as desired.

How often do you fertilize Dusty Miller plants?

For soil that is not built up with organic matter, or even potting soil, fertilizing Dusty Miller plants every 2 to 4 weeks will be plenty for them. Depending on your growing conditions and area, Dusty Miller may be prone to certain diseases and pests that can hurt its growth.

How do you prune Dusty Millers?

Keep the mulch away from the base of the stems. The UC Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County recommends pruning back dusty miller in autumn or early winter. Cut back the entire plant to 2 to 3 inches above ground level using very sharp, sterilized pruning shears and discard the pruned stems.

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What is Dusty Miller good for?

Dusty miller looks fantastic in all kinds of containers, including hanging baskets and window boxes. The finely divided foliage looks so pretty combined with the trailing stems of petunias or million bells, and also makes a handsome companion plant for other sun lovers like zinnias, pentas, or salvia. Keep your container in full sun, and water more frequently than plants growing in the ground, at least every other day in summer.

How to keep silver dust growing?

A layer of organic mulch will make plants even less dependent on supplemental irrigation. One inch of water per week is enough to keep silver dust growing strong. It does not like soggy conditions.

How to grow silver dust in a container?

Keep your container in full sun, and water more frequently than plants growing in the ground, at least every other day in summer. Pot up silver dust with any commercial potting soil. Make sure your container has drainage holes. Add a handful of peat moss to increase acidity.

How to grow silver dust?

Fill your garden beds with silver dust by starting a flat of seeds six weeks before the last frost. Cover seeds lightly with sterile potting mix, and grow at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You will start to see germination in about 10 days. Plant outdoors 8 inches apart in pots, or 10 inches apart in the ground.

What is the difference between silver dust and cirrus?

Some varieties are very lacy and fine, while others are only slightly lobed. 'Cirrus': Broad leaves with scalloping on the edges adorn this variety.

What causes silver dust to rot?

1 Handpick the pests, or use beer traps to control their numbers. In addition to attracting slugs, excessive watering can cause root rot in silver dust plants.

Why do plants need to be watered with silver dust?

Water. The fuzzy growth that gives silver dust its sheen also helps plants stand tall in periods of drought. Like other plants that hail from Mediterranean climates, silver dust can get by with occasional watering once it is established.

How to propagate Dusty Miller?

Looking to start growing more Dusty Miller plants? You can propagate your plant by snapping off a stem and setting it in water for a few days. When you start seeing small rootlets growing from the plant, its likely good to be gently planted into soil.

What is the best time to plant Dusty Miller?

Dusty Miller plants will grow great in growing zones 8 through 10, which is comprised of many of the southwest states in the United States. In these areas, temperatures may actually allow for Dusty Miller plants to withstand the winter. For northern states, Dusty Miller are grown more as annuals with mid-spring to late summer being their main ...

What is the Dusty Miller plant?

First of all, Dusty Miller (sometimes referred to as “Silver Ragwort”) is a popular annual with silvery leaves. The plant grows great in landscape beds, pots, hanging baskets and container gardens.

How tall do dusty millers grow?

Dusty Miller plants will grow up to 3 feet tall, producing beautiful silver branches of leaves that make them a great addition for pots or a flower bed. Even before your Dusty Miller reach their full height, the plant will mature when its about 6 to 18 tall. Dusty Miller plants can branch out as far as 9″ – 12″.

Why is Dusty Miller prone to root rot?

Like many other types of plants, Dusty Miller is prone to root rot (a disease where a plants’ roots begin to decay). This is where the well-drained soil comes into play — soil that holds too much water will increase the plants’ chances of getting root rot.

What type of soil does Dusty Miller like?

Soil Type. Dusty Miller grows best in soil that is well-drained, with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.0. They will normally perform great in your flower bed soil or potting soil when container gardening.

How far can a Dusty Miller plant branch out?

Dusty Miller plants can branch out as far as 9″ – 12″. It’s best to give your Dusty Miller plants plenty of space — looks can be deceiving when you are planting a small plug into the ground. A plant that has plenty of space and breathing room will be less prone to disease.

What Can Dusty Miller Be Planted With?

Dusty miller may be used as a background plant for low growing, creeping annual plants, such as wave petunias. It may be attractively placed among ornamental grasses. Growing dusty miller may effectively be used in borders or as part of an outdoor container planting.

What type of soil does Dusty Miller like?

The dusty miller plant is adaptable to many soil types, thriving in acidic clay to sandy loam soils. The soil must be well-draining to avoid root rot. Water regularly right after planting and withhold water once roots have developed and the plant is growing.

When does Dusty Miller bloom?

Although the dusty miller flower blooms in midsummer, the small yellow blooms are small and not considered showy. The foliage of the dusty miller plant, however, is long lasting and drought resistant. As with most silvery, furry plants, growing dusty miller helps the garden remain attractive through the heat of the summer. It will also tolerate frost.

Is Dusty Miller perennial or annual?

The dusty miller plant is often grown as an annual and discarded after the first season, however, it is an herbaceous perennial and may return in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. Growing dusty miller can handle the heat, but is best planted where afternoon shade is available during the hottest months of summer.

Can dusty miller be planted in a container?

Growing dusty miller may effectively be used in borders or as part of an outdoor container planting. Take advantage of growing dusty miller’s drought tolerance and interplant in a xeric garden, away from the water source. The xeriscape garden is an effective way to save water and time.

What is a dusty miller?

A hardy, low-maintenance perennial, dusty miller (Senecio cineraria), is valued for its fuzzy, silvery-gray foliage that serves as an effective contrast to flowering plants. Dusty miller is often planted in flower beds and is especially striking in containers where the lacy foliage is viewed up close. Dusty miller comes in several varieties, all of ...

How to keep weeds from growing on my plants?

A layer of natural mulch helps to inhibit growth of weeds while moderating soil temperatures and conserving moisture around the plant's roots. As the mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients and improves soil drainage. To mulch dusty miller, spread 2 to 3 inches of natural material, such as chopped leaves, pine needles or bark chips, around the plant. A thin layer of grass clippings is also an effective mulch. Limit grass clipping mulch to 1 to 2 inches, as a thick layer of clippings builds up heat that may damage the plant.

Is Dusty Miller perennial or annual?

Although dusty miller is often grown as an annual, it is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.

How to mulch Dusty Miller?

Mulch the Dusty Miller with 6 to 8 inches of grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, peat mulch, and/or straw. Top with a layer of hay or straw, and secure the mulch with garden netting or evergreen boughs.

What is a dusty miller?

Dusty Miller makes a pretty accent to colorful summer flowers. Dusty Miller is the common name for several varieties of a herbaceous perennial with silver leaves. The plant is a tender perennial that is native to Mediterranean climates; it is drought tolerant and does well in full sun.

How to keep bugs from hitting my houseplants?

Wash the leaves with an insecticidal soap, to prevent outdoor bugs hitchhiking a ride indoors where they can infest your houseplants.

Does Dusty Miller overwinter?

Dusty Mille r does not overwinter well outdoors in areas of zone 10 that experience very wet winters; although not in danger from frost, the plant may die from root rot and should be brought indoors for the winter. Advertisement.

Can you take cuttings from a plant in the fall?

Insecticidal soap. Tip. You can also take cuttings in the fall, to propagate additional plants for the spring. Plants in a sheltered location have a better chance of surviving the winter. Cut the plant back if it has become leggy over the winter. Dusty Miller makes a pretty accent to colorful summer flowers. Dusty Miller is the common name ...

Can you replant Dusty Miller?

Move the pot outdoors for a few hours a day to re-acclimate the plant to the outdoors once the daytime temperature in the spring is above freezing. When the risk of nighttime frost has passed, you can replant the Dusty Miller in the garden.

Where should I plant Dusty Miller?

Dusty miller is among the easiest bedding plants to grow in home gardens. Missouri Botanical Garden recommends choosing a growing location with full sun or part shade and well-drained soil with average fertility. Dusty miller cold tolerance is moderate once established, although it may need a little protection from cold temperatures in USDA hardiness zone 7 if it's grown in a north-facing bed that is slow to warm. Avoid growing dusty miller in areas where water pools after rainfall or watering because soggy soil can cause root problems.

How to winterize Dusty Miller?

Winterizing Dusty Miller. Adjust dusty miller's care to prepare it for winter. Start by reducing water in late summer once the plant's growth begins to slow. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely in the top 1 to 2 inches between waterings during the winter, and don't water it during rainy weather.

What is the best bedding plant in Missouri?

Dusty miller is among the easiest bedding plants to grow in home gardens. Missouri Botanical Garden recommends choosing a growing location with full sun or part shade and well-drained soil with average fertility.

Can you use bleach on pruning shears?

Several solutions will work for disinfecting pruning shears, although each has its drawbacks and benefits, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Bleach, while effective, can be corrosive to metal, while full-strength household disinfectant works well and won't harm metal.

Can Dusty Miller be grown in a north facing bed?

Dusty miller cold tolerance is moderate once established, although it may need a little protection from cold temperatures in USDA hardiness zone 7 if it's grown in a north-facing bed that is slow to warm . Avoid growing dusty miller in areas where water pools after rainfall or watering because soggy soil can cause root problems.

Is Dusty Miller hardy in Zone 7?

Dusty miller cold tolerance is moderate once established , although it may need a little protection from cold temperatures in USDA hardiness zone 7 if it's grown in a north-facing bed that is slow to warm.

Can Dusty Miller survive the winter?

However, gardeners can make a few small adjustments to ensure the plants will survive the winter months and emerge in spring with lush, healthy foliage.