Cineraria (Senecio cruentus)

Cinerarias are a group of annuals and herbaceous perennials belonging to the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. These are spectacular flowering plants producing bright flowers, either clustered or solitary in just about every colour you can think of.

Care

You can buy Cineraria seeds and sow them yourself if you are really keen, it takes about 5 months from sowing to flowering. Seeds should be sown from January to March for flowers in late winter and early spring. Alternatively you can get 'Bloomers' or 'Potted Colour' and cut a few months off the growing time. Cineraria like a fertile, well drained soil in a sheltered area with protection from the hot sun. The best position is on the south or south east side of a building , or under some shady trees. A general purpose slow release fertiliser should be applied regularly, and liquid fertiliser should be used weekly or fortnightly in the flowering season.

Uses

Cineraria are not used as a cut flower due to their short stems, however potted specimens are commonly used as a living bunch of flowers. A pot of Cineraria in full flower make a lovely decoration on a table or bench, they will last quite a long time indoors as long as watering is not neglected. Cinerarias are beautiful in pots, but can also be planted out in garden beds if the conditions are right.

*Look out for 'Pixie' mixed Cinerarias from Oasis.