Also known as Ragwort · 23 saves
Senecio
Senecio, the genus most gardeners know as ragwort. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Senecio varieties
Browse all 7 Senecio varieties →
5 species of Senecio
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Senecio in Sow
Save the Senecio you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Senecio
Whats common across all Senecio varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Senecio year
- PlantApril–June86% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil; avoid planting during summer heat
- PropagateMay–July71% of varieties
Propagate easily from stem cuttings; allow cuts to callous first
- FertilizeApril, May and July57% of varieties
Light application of balanced fertilizer, especially in containers
- PruneMarch and April57% of varieties
Hard prune every few years in spring if the mat begins to crowd or smother itself.
- Winter PrepOctober and November57% of varieties
Move container-grown plants indoors or provide frost protection before temperatures drop below freezing.
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape after flowering
- Use well-draining soil
- Grow in full sun to maximize the powdery blue leaf coloration.
- Ensure the planting medium drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Shade the plant from harsh afternoon sun
- Forget to mulch in dry seasons
What goes wrong with Senecio
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses in leaf axils and stems, leading to stunted growth. | Dab pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap in shaded conditions. |
| Scale Insects | Small, hard, brown bumps on stems and leaves, accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil during the crawler stage. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaves, typically occurring in humid, stagnant air. | Improve air circulation around the plant and keep foliage dry during watering. |
| Root and Stem Rot | Blackened, mushy stems and roots, yellowing leaves, and rapid plant collapse. | Immediately cease watering, remove affected parts, and replant healthy cuttings in fresh, dry, fast-draining soil. |
Making more Senecio
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in early summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks
Senecio questions
How many types of Senecio are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Senecio varieties. The most popular — ranked by 23 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Senecio grow in?
Across its varieties, Senecio covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Senecio bloom?
Most Senecio varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, spring, summer, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Senecio should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.