Dusty miller
Jacobaea maritima · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dusty miller: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery-gray and highly decorative
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August), bright yellow flowers
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height, 40 to 50 cm spread
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, grow as an annual or overwinter (temperate coastal zones)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin, rocky coastlines
- Soil type
- Well-draining, poor to average, tolerates sandy soils
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering drastically in winter or depending on your region. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes rot.
Light Exposure
Place your dusty miller in full sun, at least 6 hours daily. It loves bright, well-ventilated locations typical of coastal gardens.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, light and poor soil. A mix of potting soil and gravelly sand works perfectly. It tolerates poor and saline soils very well.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch young shoots regularly to encourage a compact, bushy shape. Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. A light pruning in late winter helps rejuvenate the plant.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Avoid excessive fertilizing, which encourages thinner foliage.
Diseases and Pests
Very hardy, it mainly dislikes stagnant moisture which causes rot. Watch for spider mites in dry indoor conditions. Ensure good air circulation and adequate spacing to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Dusty miller is nicknamed the 'diamond dust plant' in English because of the white powder-like coating covering its leaves, which protects them from evaporation in arid climates. This beautiful silvery tomentum made it highly prized from the 19th century onward by British gardeners for creating ornamental bedding displays with striking color contrasts.
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.