Method and Precautions for Cultivating Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum
Main content introduction: Brief knowledge of cultivating silver leaf chrysanthemum, details as follows:
In the color matching of my garden, silver gray serves as a transitional color that can better reflect the layering of the garden. Today, I would like to recommend a heat and cold-resistant silver gray plant that is both ornamental and practical—silver leaf chrysanthemum.
Brief Introduction to Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum
Silver leaf chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family and the Senecio genus. Its leaves are covered with villi, giving them a silver gray appearance. It is commonly used as an edging plant in gardens, for color block combinations, and also makes a great ornamental potted leaf plant, as well as a material for cut flowers.
Native to the Mediterranean region, silver leaf chrysanthemum prefers cool, moist, and sunny environments. The plant grows to about 60 cm in height, with leaves that look like snowflake patterns due to their dentate edges. As an ornamental leaf plant, silver leaf chrysanthemum also blooms, with a flowering period from June to September.
Method and Precautions for Cultivating Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum
When grown in the ground, silver leaf chrysanthemum is often used for edging. It is adaptable and easy to manage, with spring topping being the main control for height. Below is a detailed introduction to the cultivation method for potted silver leaf chrysanthemum.
1. - Ensure Well-Draining Potting Soil -
For all potted plants, the potting soil is the foundation for simple management. Loose and well-draining soil that does not accumulate water can make routine maintenance much easier. For silver leaf chrysanthemum potting soil, a mixture of one part leaf mold, one part coarse coconut bran, and one part perlite can be used. When potting, you can add fermented soybean cake fertilizer or sheep manure as a base fertilizer.
2. - Ensure Sufficient Light -
Silver leaf chrysanthemum thrives in a well-lit environment. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth. In spring, autumn, and winter, it is recommended to keep the potted silver leaf chrysanthemum in full sunlight, with some shading in summer. For ground-grown silver leaf chrysanthemum, shading is not necessary in summer, but it is important to ensure adequate water supply and avoid drought.
3. - Pay Attention to Watering and Fertilizing -
For potted silver leaf chrysanthemum, it is best to water when the soil feels dry and to pour the water directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves. Frequent watering on the leaves may wash away the villi, causing a change in leaf color.
Before entering summer, silver leaf chrysanthemum may bloom, but as an ornamental leaf plant, it is mainly for the leaves. Top dressing is recommended with nitrogen-based fertilizers, such as "Flower More No. 10" or balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium water-soluble fertilizers to promote leaf growth.
It is important to avoid letting silver leaf chrysanthemum get rained on during the rainy season, as repeated rainfall can lead to withering.
4. - Pruning for Shape Control -
If left to grow naturally, silver leaf chrysanthemum can reach a height of about 60 cm. To control height and ensure a full, branched plant, it is usually topped. The number of times to top depends on the plant's shape and can be done multiple times.
Yellow or withered leaves should be promptly cleared, and spent flowers should be pruned after blooming, with branches cut back. If you wish to collect seeds, pruning can be delayed.
5. - Methods for Summering and Overwintering -
It is not difficult for silver leaf chrysanthemum to survive the summer. For potted plants, it is recommended to provide shade and avoid rain during the summer, while for ground-grown plants, attention should be paid to watering and avoiding drought, with some shading being ideal.
In winter, silver leaf chrysanthemum can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. If temperatures drop below -5 degrees, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors for overwintering.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to silver leaf chrysanthemum, its cultivation methods, and precautions, hoping to provide green plant enthusiasts with some related knowledge.