did you know?

The Latin word means "old man." Here, it refers to the gray at the flowers' base, a characteristic of many species. Dusty miller has fuzzy, gray leaves and hails from the Mediterranean, where many plants have adapted to the hot, dry season by producing fine, silvery hairs to reflect light and heat.

general maintenance:

Pinch young plants to encourage branching.

pests/diseases:

Rust may occur.

controls:

To discourage rust, avoid wetting foliage, and remove and dispose of fallen leaves.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors, 6?8 weeks before last frost. Do not cover seeds with soil; light is needed for germination. Space young plants at a distance equal to plants' mature spread. Or direct sow in a sunny, well-drained site after danger of frost has passed. Thin plants to 10 inches apart.

water and fertilize:

Water moderately, keeping soil moist but not wet. Apply a balanced, soluble fertilizer biweekly, following label directions.

garden hint:

Remove flowers as soon as they appear to encourage more of the plant's exquisitely lacy foliage.

features:

• Drought Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

combine with:

other plants with silvery foliage, such as cornflowers wormwood Jerusalem sage and lamb's ears ('Silver Carpet').