Dusty Miller
Common Names: Dusty Miller, Silver Ragwort, Silver Dust, Silver Lace.
Botanical names: Jacobaea maritima or Senecio cineraria
Availability: Year-round
Vase life: 10 to 14 days.
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: No
Description: Dusty Miller leaves are deeply lobed and somewhat jagged or serrated along the edges. The leaves are typically soft and fuzzy, and covered with fine hairs that contribute to their silvery-gray (dusty) appearance.
Color: Silvery-Gray. The color is often described as dusty or frosted.
Botanical facts: Dusty miller leaves are toxic to humans and animals.
Design notes: Adding Dusty Miller foliage to a flower arrangement can bring a unique touch of texture, color, and contrast.
Purchasing hints: Purchase foliage that is turgid with fuzzy leaves.
Conditioning: Cut stem ends with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water mixed with a commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: In folklore and mythology, Dusty Miller is often associated with protection and purification. Its silvery-gray foliage was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who grew it.