Diamond Dusty Miller

Scientific Name: Jacobaea maritima, formerly Senecio cineraria and Cineraria maritima
Common Names: Dusty Miller, Silver Ragwort, Silver Dust
Native to: Mediterranean region, primarily southern Europe and North Africa
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and silver foliage color.
Height: 12 to 18 inches, depending on the variety
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Winter Look: In colder climates, Dusty Miller is grown as an annual, dying back in winter. In frost-free areas, it can act as a perennial or evergreen shrub.
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall, primarily valued for its attractive, silvery-gray foliage. It may produce small, yellow, daisy-like flowers in late summer or fall, but these are less commonly the main focus.
Drought Tolerance: Moderate. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but regular watering ensures the best growth and foliage color.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Prefers dry to medium moisture levels and can tolerate poor soils.
pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7 to 10 (can be grown as an annual in colder zones)
Deer Resistance: Moderate. Deer generally avoid Dusty Miller due to its strong scent and silvery foliage.
Attracts: Beneficial insects like pollinators, though it is not particularly attractive to bees or butterflies.
Potential Issues: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Can be affected by root rot in overly wet or poorly draining soil.
Notes: Dusty Miller is primarily grown for its striking, silver-gray, deeply lobed leaves that add texture and contrast to flower beds, borders, and containers. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its low maintenance and drought-tolerant nature. While its small yellow flowers can appear, the plant is most admired for its foliage. Dusty Miller is often used as a background or edging plant and pairs well with colorful annuals and perennials.

Please keep in mind that Dusty Miller can be a skin irritant. 

Fun fact: Taxonomists are the scientists who classify plants and animals. Their job is never done. We can thank Carl Linnaeus for laying the foundation for the system used to classify organisms on the basis of shared physical characteristics.