Senecio Donkeys Ears

Senecio 'Donkey's Ears' is a sculptural cineraria, with long, narrow silver leaves. It is well-branched, so does not need pinching to increase density. This hardy variety is undemanding and thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, even poor and rather dry soil. It is evergreen, providing a beautiful presence all year round in your flower beds and pots.

Cinerarias belong to the Asteraceae family. They are classics in bedding displays, bringing light and texture with their bright silver, thick and furry foliage. It is the hairs on the surface of the leaves that produce this spectacular effect. However, they are quite tender and best reserved for mild climates or coastal areas as they tolerate wind, salt spray, and occasional drought very well.

The 'Donkey's Ears' variety is the result of various cross-breeding that has led to an exceptional plant. It produces long and narrow silver leaves, without teeth or lobes, which were not found in other hybrids until now. It forms vigorous, dense and impenetrable ground cover, branching from the base, about 35 cm (14in) high and 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) wide. 'Donkey's Ears' produces very few, if any, flowers increasing its vigour, and it seems a little hardier than its counterparts, withstanding at least -12°C (10.4°F) in a well-drained soil.

Senecio 'Donkey's Ears' needs close to neutral, rather poor, dry and sandy soil. It likes the sun but will tolerate bright partial shade. If the soil is too rich, the plant will thin out, its lifespan will be reduced, and its leaves will be greener. The worst enemy of cineraria is stagnant water, which would cause the thick crown to rot. Therefore, ensure good drainage by placing it on a slope that allows rainwater to be drained away, for example. This variety branches out from the base without the frequent pinching which is often required for taller and less dense varieties.

This cineraria will be stunning in pots, and beautiful with other silver plants like Italian everlasting, Marrubium incanum, or umbellate yarrow. In a dry garden, it can provide contrast to its architectural neighbours like giant sea holly, ovate-leaved agave, or Mexican lily.