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Cyanthillium cinereum

Cyanthillium cinereum · Asteraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant cyanthillium cinereum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Common name
Ash-coloured echinanthus
Family
Asteraceae
Form
Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
Mature size
30 to 60 cm in height
Flowering
Summer to autumn (violet/purple flowers)
Foliage
Deciduous, toothed and aromatic
Origin
Tropical and subtropical Africa
Hardiness
Frost-tender, grown as annual in temperate climates

Care

Exposure and light

Place this plant in full sun to partial shade to encourage abundant flowering. It tolerates warm environments well and appreciates good light. Avoid overly shaded areas where it will become leggy quickly.

Watering

Water regularly to keep the substrate moist without waterlogging, especially during the summer growing period. Let it dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering as the growing season ends or as winter approaches.

Soil and substrate

Use soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic. Ornamental plant potting mix enriched with compost will work perfectly. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

Apply balanced fertilizer or fertilizer slightly enriched in potassium every 15 to 20 days during the growing season. Reduce applications in autumn and stop in winter. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pruning and maintenance

Pinch out young shoots to encourage bushy, branched growth. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Light pruning at the end of the growing season will maintain a balanced shape.

Pests and diseases

Watch for whiteflies or small sap-sucking insects in warm conditions. Excessive humidity can promote fungal diseases: ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Remove diseased leaves as soon as they appear.

Did you know?

Cyanthillium cinereum is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and African pharmacopoeia for its supposed anti-inflammatory and mosquito-repellent properties. Its name 'cinereum' means 'ash-coloured' referring to the distinctive greyish tint of its leaves and stems, which gives it a distinctive aesthetic appeal in Mediterranean and tropical gardens.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.