Table of Contents
When performing dusty miller plant care, prune when they become leggy during the growing season. Cut them back to half their size and the plant will quickly fill out again. When growing a dusty miller perennial, cut plants back to 3 to 4 inches during early spring as new growth emerges.
Can I pinch back dusty miller?
Pinching the new growth of young dusty miller plants early in the season delays blooming slightly, but the result of this simple task is full, bushy growth and a healthy, compact plant. To pinch dusty miller, use your fingernails or garden clippers to remove 1/2 to 1 inch from each growing tip.
Should I cut back my dusty miller in the fall?
Keep the mulch away from the base of the stems. The UC Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County recommends pruning back dusty miller in autumn or early winter. Cut back the entire plant to 2 to 3 inches above ground level using very sharp, sterilized pruning shears and discard the pruned stems.
How do you keep dusty miller from getting leggy?
Dusty miller plants grown in the shade also have a tendency to become leggy, as the stems branch out in search of sunlight. A full-sun position will help the plant to maintain a more attractive compact form. If you must position the plant in partial shade, make sure the shaded time is during the afternoon.
How do I keep my dusty miller small?
The soil must be well-draining to avoid root rot. Water regularly right after planting and withhold water once roots have developed and the plant is growing. Dusty miller care may involve a midsummer trim if the plant becomes leggy. The dusty miller flower may be removed to keep the plant compact.
Can you divide dusty miller?
Centaurea cineraria is just one of the plant species commonly called dusty miller. This perennial grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 11. Divide clumps of dusty miller in the spring before new growth begins. This gives the roots time to recover from the process.
How tall do dusty millers get?
Plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and as wide but rarely achieve that stature when grown as an annual. When grown as an annual it normally forms a rounded mound 8-15 inches tall. After the first year dusty miller will bloom, producing yellow or cream composite flowers in terminal clusters.
How do you overwinter dusty miller?
Trim the Dusty Miller to about 6 inches in height. Dig up the plant, making sure not to damage the root ball. Pot the plant in fresh potting soil. Select a sunny location indoors for the pot. Water the plant every week to 10 days during the winter.
Does dusty miller spread?
Planting & Growing Silver Dust Dusty Miller will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart.
Why is my dusty miller turning green?
Sun Requirements Dusty miller grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It enjoys 5 to 8 hours of sun per day. In shady gardens, it may turn more gray-green than white or silver and will not reach its full height.
Can you keep dusty miller indoors?
Dusty Miller may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden after frost. Sowing Dusty Miller Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last expected heavy spring frost. Sow evenly and thinly and cover with ½ inch of seed starting formula.
What flowers go with dusty miller?
Last year I planted Dusty Millers with some red blooming begonias in a window box, and the results made for an attractive combination. I also set some Dusty Millers in a flower bed along with bright colored marigolds. They prefer rich humus and well-drained soil with a substantial amount of compost added.
What is the purpose of dusty miller?
Ornamental Use: Dusty miller may be used as a background plant for low-growing, creeping annual plants, such as wave petunias. It may be attractively placed among ornamental grasses. Growing dusty miller may effectively be used in borders or as part of an outdoor container planting.
Is dusty miller easy to propagate?
The dusty miller is a treat for the eyes because of its silver-gray and fern-like foliage. It can bring out the contrast to the various flowers in your garden. Despite being very easy to grow, propagating dusty miller requires some work. Propagating any plant kind of plant needs precision.
Is dusty miller poisonous to dogs?
Cineraria, also referred to as ragwort and dusty miller, is a perennial, evergreen shrub -like plant that may come in a variety of colors. Cineraria plants are toxic to dogs and other animals, and although it is not pleasant-tasting, it may still be eaten, especially if there are no other types of plant around.
How do you propagate ragwort?
Your silver ragwort plants are great for starting cuttings. Find a piece that has become a bit woody and snip it from the parent plant. Start cuttings in good-quality potting mix, and keep them watered. A rooting hormone can speed up the process and produce more reliable results.
What grows well with dusty miller?
The silvery leaves of silver dust look stunning when paired with cool purple and blue flowers, but also pair well with hot red and orange flowers. Even white flowers benefit from the glow of silver dust in moon gardens.
