From a garden nursery...

by Deb
(Mississauga, Ontario Canada)

Two years in a row this garden nursery has had this succulent and I really like it. It never flowered, just grew taller, but gave my planter an exotic look. When I ask the nursery all they can tell me is "It's a succulent" which is obvious! Do you know what it is?


Drought Smart Plants reply:

I do indeed know what it is - it's one of my (and Brad Pitts) favorite succulent plants. He grows it in his garden looking towards the Hollywood sign, where it thrives in California weather, while here in Canada we use it as a summer annual. The correct botanical name is Senecio mandraliscae, and as far as I know, there is no common name except Chalk Sticks which actually refers to a different although similar plant. You can see more information about this great plant on miscellaneous succulent plants page.

It will eventually bloom, but only with age. Unless you have a conservatory to keep it in for the winter, it takes longer than one season. The flowers will be the usual Senecio type, and resemble a daisy in form.

It's easy to take some cuttings in the fall and overwinter them under lights and have them ready for spring planting in containers.

Happy Planting,
Jacki




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