Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Gardening 101: Senecio Succulents

Search

Gardening 101: Senecio Succulents

April 10, 2017

Senecio, Kleinia: “Creeping Succulents”

Senecio means “old man” in Latin, but I think the opposite of old when I use them in the gardens I design for clients—Senecio is a new favorite of mine. This family is a highly diverse collection (with more than 1,000 species) but I am partial to the succulent Senecios for their striking hues and fabulous foliage attributes.

Native to South Africa and a member of the sunflower family, succulent-type Senecios are mainly small ground covers that quietly creep and hug the ground, branching and suckering from roots. I find them to be a trifecta of plant positives: easy, fast, and water-conscious.

Senecio vitalis by Megan Hansen via Flickr.
Above: Senecio vitalis by Megan Hansen via Flickr.

One of my favorites is Senecio vitalis for its fantastic foliage fingers that provide a striking blue-green color and upright, textural contrast.

Senecio radicans &#8\2\16;String of Bananas&#8\2\17; by KaitM4\2 via Wikimedia.
Above: Senecio radicans ‘String of Bananas’ by KaitM42 via Wikimedia.

Another of  my favorites is Senecio radicans ‘String of Bananas.’ Not only is the name awesome, it also trails and weeps to reach lengths of more than  3 feet. This variety also favors mild neglect and protection from direct sun, making it a perfect choice for containers on shady patios.

For more about &#8\2\16;String of Pearls&#8\2\17; succulents, see Gardening \10\1: String of Pearls.
Above: For more about ‘String of Pearls’ succulents, see Gardening 101: String of Pearls.

Similar is Senecio rowleyans ‘String of Pearls’, with its attractive draping effect.

Above: S. serpens ‘Blue Chalksticks’ is a well-behaved creeper for the front of the border and also thrives on sunny slopes in warm gardens (USDA growing zones 10-11). Photograph by Tony Rodd via Flickr.

For more, see Blue Chalksticks: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design.

Cheat Sheet

  • Plant Senecio ground cover succulents with other drought-tolerant, deer-resistant succulents and plants in a rock garden, green roof or in a simple, modern garden. The gray-blue types pair well with similarly colored concrete patios or bluestone pavers.
  • Small flowers appear on some varieties but most are not grown for their flowers (though bees would argue that point).
  • Many Senecio species are toxic, so plant with caution around pets and children with a proclivity to graze on the landscape.
Spotted co-mingling in a concrete planter at Chicago Botanic Garden: Senecio vitalis, Ajuga &#8\2\16;Mini Crispa Red&#8\2\17;, Mecardonia Gold Dust, and Oxalis regnellii var triangularis. Photograph by KM via Flickr.
Above: Spotted co-mingling in a concrete planter at Chicago Botanic Garden: Senecio vitalis, Ajuga ‘Mini Crispa Red’, Mecardonia Gold Dust, and Oxalis regnellii var triangularis. Photograph by KM via Flickr.

Keep It Alive

  • Surprisingly not fussy about soil pH, succulent senecios mostly prefer a sunny spot with sandy, well-draining soil. Think coastal, drought-tolerant gardens. Some senecios also tolerate heat while some prefer bright light like the varieties ‘String of pearls’ and ‘String of bananas’. These make excellent indoor plants as well.
  • Most will be perennials in growing zone 9-11 but a few can withstand brief cold spurts. Long exposure to freezing temperatures will turn the fleshy types to a slimy mush unless protected.
  • If your senecios look crowded or have spread beyond your parameters, try propagating them with cutting, an easy and fast project. Cut stems during the growing season in early spring or fall and plant in containers filled with sandy soil. (Hint: Share some with your gardening friends.)

For more of our favorite succulents, see:

(Visited 744 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0