The Story
Plant Bio
Jacobaea maritima, commonly known as dusty miller, is a mounding evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean basin. Its deeply lobed, thick foliage is covered in a dense, white, woolly-felted tomentum that provides a silver-white appearance in sunny gardens.
The intense silvery coloration acts as a natural sunblock and water-conservation mechanism, intensifying under hot, dry conditions. Small, mustard-yellow, daisy-like flower heads appear in flat-topped clusters during the summer months.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18"
Width
18"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vibrant silver leaf color.
- Amend heavy soils with sand or gravel to guarantee excellent drainage, as wet roots quickly rot.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
- Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Pro Tip
Plant in poor, lean, sharply drained soil under baking sun to maintain the tightest silver cushion; rich loam and shade trigger sprawling, green growth and root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in poor, sandy, or rocky soils to maintain a compact growth habit.
- Shear the plant back hard in early spring to prevent leggy growth.
- Remove spent flower heads to redirect energy into foliage production.
Don't
- Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water collects.
- Do not apply heavy fertilizer, which causes weak, green, and sprawling growth.
- Do not prune deep into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to regenerate.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dusty miller questions
What zones can Dusty miller grow in?
Dusty miller is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dusty miller deer resistant?
Yes — Dusty miller is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dusty miller bloom?
Dusty miller typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dusty miller need full sun?
Dusty miller does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dusty miller drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dusty miller handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dusty miller with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.