Dusty Miller Seeds ,FOLIAGE PLANT

Cineraria maritima 'Silver Dust' (syn. Senecio cineraria) — Dusty Miller — is grown for its striking, deeply lobed, lacy silvery-gray foliage rather than its flowers. A classic border accent and container companion, Silver Dust creates a luminous contrast with brightly colored bedding plants — bold marigolds, vivid petunias, and jewel-toned salvias all pop against its cool, silver backdrop. Mounding plants grow 8–12 inches tall and wide. In warmer areas it may overwinter and behave as a perennial with mulching. Also produces small golden-yellow flowers, though most gardeners grow it purely as a foliage plant.

Plant Highlights

• Deeply lobed, lacy silvery-gray foliage — a striking contrast companion for colorful annuals
• Mounding, tidy form — 8–12 inches tall and wide
• Excellent in borders, containers, and mixed bedding displays
• May overwinter in warmer areas with mulching; behaves as a perennial
• Tolerates many soil types; prefers full sun and good drainage
• Small golden-yellow flowers in summer if plants are allowed to mature

Growing Guide

Starting indoors: Sow 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. Press seeds lightly into peat moss; maintain moisture until germination. Move seedlings outdoors after frost season has ended.

Site and soil: Full sun; well-drained soil. Tolerant of many soil types. Space plants approximately 10 inches apart. Shear or pinch back if plants become leggy to maintain a compact, tidy form.

Overwintering: In warmer climates, mulch plants in fall to help them survive winter and return as a short-lived perennial.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual (perennial in mild climates with mulching)
• Height: 8–12 inches | Width: 8–12 inches
• Foliage color: Silvery-gray, deeply lobed and lacy
• Flower color: Golden yellow (secondary interest)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates many soil types
• Germ notes: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost; press into peat moss, maintain moisture
• Spacing: 10 inches