Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum ptarmiciflorum
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Common Name: Dusty Miller  
Plant photo of: Chrysanthemum ptarmiciflorum
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

Under 1', 1-3'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Grey, Silver

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:
  • Description

  • Notes

Another dusty miller, or the same one as those listed as centaurea, depending on which reference is used. Dusty Miller is a tender perennial, which means that generally, it isn't rated as hardy enough to withstand our winters, though it frequently manages to survive. It grows from about 6 to 12 inches tall and wide, has silvery grey foliage, and sometimes tiny button-like yellow summer flowers. Its a fine plant for containers and perennials borders, providing a bridge between blooming seasons and a pleasant foil to strong flower colors.
I have seen this plant used in nearly every location and it seems to do just fine, but ideally, it is used were there is full to part sun in well-drained soil. One contributor to a shortened life is boggy soils, especially going into the winter. If it over-winters, it will probably need a good cutting back to remove dead leaves and stems.