Dusty miller (silver ragwort) Jacobaea maritima
Dusty miller (silver ragwort) (Jacobaea maritima) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Mediterranean coasts. It grows 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall and 25–50 cm (10–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Dusty miller (silver ragwort) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Dusty miller (silver ragwort) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 20–60 cm (8–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–50 cm (10–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean coasts |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Dusty miller (silver ragwort) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (liver toxins), like other ragworts.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dusty miller (silver ragwort)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Dusty miller (silver ragwort)
- How far apart should I plant Dusty miller (silver ragwort)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–50 cm (10–20 in).
- Does Dusty miller (silver ragwort) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dusty miller (silver ragwort) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dusty miller (silver ragwort)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Dusty miller (silver ragwort) flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dusty miller (silver ragwort) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (liver toxins), like other ragworts.
- What grows well with Dusty miller (silver ragwort)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dusty miller (silver ragwort). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Felted silver-white lacy leaves to set off bedding colour; usually grown as an annual and the flowers pinched off.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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