perennial

Woolly Cineraria

The Story

Plant Bio

Pericallis lanata, native to the Canary Islands, is a mounding evergreen subshrub valued for its striking contrast of silver-white foliage and daisy-like flowers. The entire plant is covered in a dense layer of downy, woolly hairs that protect the tissues from intense sun and reduce moisture loss.

This species is distinguished by its intensely felted, gray-green to silver leaves with toothed margins. The terminal clusters of lavender to purple daisy-like flowers appear primarily in spring and fall, but can continue year-round in frost-free coastal climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with its striking silver-white woolly foliage and contrasting lavender flowers.

Highly suited to container culture, allowing gardeners in cold climates to overwinter the plant indoors easily.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other general pollinators to its open, daisy-like flower heads.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Canary Islands (Macaronesia)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, pets, and livestock

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with gritty, organic-rich soil and excellent drainage in full sun or afternoon shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly during the active growing seasons of spring and fall.

Pro Tip

Prune stems lightly after a heavy bloom cycle to maintain a compact shape; cutting back into old, leafless woody wood prevents new buds from breaking and can kill the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent soil drainage to prevent fungal root rot.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage fresh, compact growth.
Protect the plant from hard freezes by moving containers indoors.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in stagnant moisture.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood at the base of the plant.
Do not use overhead watering, which traps moisture in the woolly foliage and invites mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersRock gardensCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Argyranthemum Lavandula Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Cineraria questions

What zones can Woolly Cineraria grow in?

Woolly Cineraria is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Woolly Cineraria deer resistant?

Yes — Woolly Cineraria is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Woolly Cineraria bloom?

Woolly Cineraria typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Woolly Cineraria need full sun?

Woolly Cineraria does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.