Garden hybrid
Pericallis x hybridaFlorist's CinerariaThe Story
Plant Bio
Pericallis x hybrida, commonly known as florist's cineraria, comprises tender herbaceous perennials native to the Canary Islands, valued for their vibrant daisy-like flower heads. These plants thrive in cool, humid conditions and require rich, consistently moist, well-draining soils in partial to deep shade.
'Giovanna's Select' is a tall, heirloom-style seed strain reaching up to three feet in height, producing airy clusters of purple and blue flowers well above the foliage canopy. Unlike compact modern cultivars bred for indoor pots, this selection features large, lush, heart-shaped leaves and is best suited for shaded outdoor borders.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36"
Width
24"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
9, 10
Water
High
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Tender perennial (often grown as a cool-season annual)
Native To
Canary Islands
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and animals
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in partial to full shade with rich, humus-dense soil that drains exceptionally well.
- Amend the soil with organic matter to achieve a slightly acidic pH between 5.8 and 6.2.
- Space plants twelve to twenty-four inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, taking care never to let the roots sit in waterlogged soil.
Pro Tip
Plant in deep shade and maintain consistent soil moisture, as even brief periods of drying out will cause the lush foliage to collapse and scorch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Deadhead spent flower stalks weekly to prolong the blooming season.
- Provide shelter from strong winds and intense afternoon sun.
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every one to two weeks during active growth.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely at any point.
- Do not prune back into old, hard, leafless wood when tidying the plant.
- Do not overhead water late in the day, which encourages gray mold.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Giovanna's Select Cineraria questions
What zones can Giovanna's Select Cineraria grow in?
Giovanna's Select 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 Giovanna's Select Cineraria deer resistant?
Yes — Giovanna's Select Cineraria is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giovanna's Select Cineraria bloom?
Giovanna's Select Cineraria typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giovanna's Select Cineraria need full sun?
Giovanna's Select Cineraria does best in part shade.
More Pericallis to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Giovanna's Select Cineraria 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.