Dusty Miller 'New Look'

New Look Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria / Jacobaea maritima)

New Look Dusty Miller is a striking and highly productive variety, prized for its thick, upright stems and large, smooth-edged silver leaves. Its clean, modern silhouette sets it apart from finely lobed types, offering bold texture and a luminous accent in both fresh and dried arrangements. The more it is harvested, the more it produces, making it an ideal choice for cut flower growers, bouquet fillers, and garden designs that benefit from structured, long-lasting foliage. Flowers are typically removed to concentrate energy into the abundant, silvery leaves.

Tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils once established, New Look adds a cool, sophisticated contrast to vibrant blooms. Pair it with soft pinks, apricots, lavender, deep purples, or rich reds—cosmos, zinnias, snapdragons, and roses—to create romantic, whimsical bouquets or garden borders with depth and dimension. Also known as Silver Ragwort, this tender perennial is usually grown as an annual (Zones 8–10) and comes pelleted for easy sowing and even germination.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly - Needs light to germinate

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 22 - 24°C

HEIGHT: 10" - 15”

MATURITY: 56 Days for containers. 88 for foliage

SPACING: 9-12”

PINCH: 4-6"

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Do not cover seeds, as light is required for germination. A light layer of vermiculite may be applied to help retain moisture. Bottom water or mist gently to avoid displacing the tiny seeds. Once the first true leaves appear, transplant into cell packs or larger containers. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting after the last frost.

Direct Seeding (not recommended): Direct seeding is not recommended for Dusty Miller, as starting seeds indoors provides a much better success rate.

Pinching: Pinching the tops of young plants can encourage a bushier habit, though it is not strictly necessary for this naturally mounding plant.

Soil Preference and Watering: Dusty Miller thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant once established. Keep foliage as dry as possible and avoid watering late in the day to reduce the risk of Alternaria (leaf spot disease).

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for Dusty Miller. It performs best in average to lean soil.

Harvesting: Dusty Miller is primarily grown for its silvery foliage. Harvest stems as needed for bouquets.