Plant Profile: Jacobaea maritima

Dusty Miller is commonly cultivated as an annual due to its striking silvery, woolly foliage, which adds visual interest to gardens and containers alike. This plant thrives in light, well-drained soil and can flourish in both sunny and shaded areas, demonstrating good drought resistance. To encourage more robust leaf growth, it’s advisable to remove any flowers that appear.

This versatile plant is frequently used in various settings, including indoor landscapes, natural woodlands, patios, and garden beds or borders. Its distinctive silvery leaves create a beautiful contrast in flower beds. For optimal growth, start seeds indoors 10 to 15 weeks prior to the last frost, or alternatively, you can buy young plants in six-packs. While stem cuttings can be taken for wintering, many gardeners prefer to replant fresh specimens each spring.

Regarding pests and diseases, Dusty Miller generally faces few issues, although it can be vulnerable to rust.