Denis Barthel (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0
Dusty miller
Centaurea cineraria
Overview
A silvery-white foliage plant whose felt-like, deeply divided leaves provide dramatic contrast in garden beds and containers. The dense, woolly coating that gives dusty miller its characteristic silver appearance is actually an adaptation to Mediterranean coastal conditions, protecting it from salt spray and intense sun. It is invaluable as a foliage filler in both garden design and floral arrangements.
Dusty Miller (Centaurea cineraria) is a species of flowering plant endemic to southern Italy. In its natural habitat, it grows on coastal cliffs at elevations ranging from 0–350 meters above sea level. Mature plants may reach a height of 80 centimeters.
Growing Conditions and Care
In horticulture, Centaurea cineraria is commonly cultivated for its foliage and can be grown as either an annual or perennial plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The species occasionally escapes from cultivation but has not resulted in established exotic populations in North America. In the UK, Centaurea cineraria subsp. cineraria has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Cultivars like 'Silver Dust', 'Silver Lace', and 'Cirrus' are sometimes mistakenly referred to as C. cineraria but actually pertain to Jacobaea maritima. The cultivar 'Colchester White' is the most common cultivar of this species and pertains to C. cineraria.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- also native to Great Britain, Italy
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8-10 weeks early; grown for silvery foliage; annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after frost; silvery foliage contrasts with bright flowers |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Grown for foliage; remove small yellow flowers to keep plants compact |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost; drought tolerant once established |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Oct | Silvery foliage all season; excellent in moon gardens |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring; may overwinter in zone 7+ |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Apr — Nov | Season-long foliage interest; tolerates drought and salt spray |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; perennial in zones 8-10 |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Jan — Dec | Year-round silver foliage in warm zones |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall; evergreen perennial in hot zones; remove yellow flowers |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Jan — Dec | Evergreen; pinch flowers for best foliage |
Uses
Other Uses
- Silver foliage contrast plant in bedding and containers
- Drought-tolerant filler for coastal and xeriscape gardens
- Cut foliage for floral arrangements and wreaths
