Botanical Name: Senecio cineraria (syn. Jacobaea maritima) Common Name: Dusty Miller Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 8–10) Size: 10–18" Tall × 12–18" Spread Growth Habit: Upright to Mounding, Well-Branched Habit Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Color and Density); Tolerates Light Shade Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy Soils Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Flowers Typically Removed) Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility Features: Silvery-Gray Felted Leaves, Excellent Heat & Drought Tolerance, Deer Resistant Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Plantings, Edging, Foliage Contrast

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is a timeless foliage plant valued for its soft, silvery-gray leaves that provide instant contrast in gardens and containers. The deeply lobed, velvety foliage reflects sunlight, helping cool down summer plantings while making surrounding colors pop.

Unlike many foliage plants, Dusty Miller thrives in full sun, heat, and dry conditions, maintaining its bright silver color when other plants struggle. It’s often grown as an annual, but in mild climates it can overwinter as a short-lived perennial.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Dusty Miller has proven to be one of the most reliable silver foliage plants available. It establishes quickly, holds its shape with minimal care, and looks good from planting through the end of the season.

We especially appreciate its versatility. It works equally well as a crisp border plant, a container accent, or a mass planting where its uniform silver tone creates a clean, professional look. Deer typically avoid it, adding another layer of dependability.

Dusty Miller vs. Other Silver Foliage Plants

Compared to Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, Dusty Miller offers more structure and less trailing, making it better suited for borders and formal designs. While dichondra provides movement, Dusty Miller delivers definition.

When compared to Helichrysum (licorice plant), Dusty Miller has firmer structure and brighter silver, especially in full sun. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, sun-loving silver plant with classic appeal, Dusty Miller remains a go-to choice.