Senecio viscosus
Senecio viscosus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant senecio viscosus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Mature height
- 20 to 60 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, glandular and sticky
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July to October)
- Hardiness
- Slightly tender (temperate zones)
- Origin
- Mediterranean regions and North Africa
Care
Sunlight exposure
Sticky groundsel appreciates a sunny to part-shade exposure for optimal development. Sufficient light promotes abundant flowering. Avoid overly shaded areas where the plant would become stunted.
Soil and substrate
Install this plant in well-draining soil, preferably light and poor. It tolerates sandy, chalky or rocky soils. Excess standing moisture risks causing rot.
Watering
Water moderately during growth, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Avoid wetting the sticky foliage, which is already naturally sticky.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is strictly necessary for this undemanding herb. A light balanced supplement in spring can support growth, but excessive feeding should be avoided.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage branching and a fuller shape. Remove faded flowers to extend flowering. Regularly clean up dead leaves at the base.
Diseases and pests
Sticky groundsel is relatively robust. However, watch for powdery mildew in case of excessive moisture. Its natural glandular properties partially protect it from pests, but aphids may occasionally infest it.
Did you know?
Sticky groundsel lives up to its name: its leaves and stems are covered in sticky glands that secrete a sticky substance. This natural adaptation, called viscosity, likely plays a role in protecting against certain insect pests and adaptation to the arid Mediterranean environments where it naturally thrives.
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.