String of pearls Curio rowleyanus
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family, native to Dry parts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It grows 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan String of pearls in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
String of pearls at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Dry parts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is String of pearls toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids like other Senecio relatives: eating it causes vomiting and drooling in pets, and the sap can irritate skin.
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 String of pearls
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about String of pearls
- How far apart should I plant String of pearls?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does String of pearls need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does String of pearls need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is String of pearls?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does String of pearls flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is String of pearls poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids like other Senecio relatives: eating it causes vomiting and drooling in pets, and the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with String of pearls?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for String of pearls. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Thread-thin trailing stems strung with pea-shaped leaves, each with a translucent window stripe, cascading from hanging pots; small white, cinnamon-scented flowers. Long known as Senecio rowleyanus.
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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- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus