Dusty Miller 4" Pot

Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima), also known as Silver Ragwort, is a drought-tolerant perennial grown primarily for its striking silver-white foliage. Its finely textured, felted leaves provide year-round visual interest, making it a popular choice for contrast in mixed borders, container arrangements, and formal plantings. Though typically treated as an annual in cooler climates, Dusty Miller is a hardy evergreen in warmer regions.

Distinctive Features

Dusty Miller forms compact mounds of silvery, deeply lobed foliage that remains attractive through all seasons. While it can produce small yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer, it's most valued for its foliage, which acts as a striking contrast to bright flowering plants. It typically grows 8 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best color; tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Water: Low water needs; drought-tolerant once established.
• Humidity: Tolerates dry air and performs well in arid climates.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10 as a perennial; grown as an annual in colder zones.

Ideal Uses

• Foliage Contrast: Provides silvery color in mixed borders and flower beds.
• Container Plantings: Ideal as a background or edging plant in pots.
• Formal Gardens: Pairs beautifully with bold colors in symmetrical designs.
• Rock Gardens: Thrives in dry, well-drained soil conditions.
• Drought-Tolerant Landscapes: Suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

Dusty Miller is an easy-care, resilient plant that thrives with minimal intervention, even in tough growing conditions.

• Watering: Water sparingly; avoid overly wet soil.
• Pruning: Trim back leggy stems to encourage compact growth; remove flowers if foliage is preferred.
• Fertilizing: Light feeding in spring promotes healthy growth; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce leaf color intensity.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Rarely affected by pests or disease.
• Winter Care: In colder zones, treat as an annual or overwinter indoors in containers.

Why Choose Dusty Miller?

Dusty Miller is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that enhances any garden design with its unique foliage and durability.

• Silvery Foliage: Provides striking contrast and soft texture.
• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in dry, sunny environments.
• Multi-Season Interest: Evergreen in mild climates, attractive year-round.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little care once established.
• Design Versatility: Complements a wide range of companion plants.

For a dependable and decorative foliage plant that adds year-round texture and contrast, Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima) is an outstanding choice.