Senecio mandraliscae

Senecio mandraliscae is a mildly frost-hardy, evergreen shrub, highly appreciated in mild climate landscaping due to its magnificent blue foliage, covered with a silvery bloom. Capable of reaching up to 1 metre (3 feet) in height, it spreads over time if given space, and blooms in summer, in the form of white-cream heads, carried well above the foliage. Frost-sensitive, this South African plant can only tolerate very light frosts if the soil remains dry. Its cultivation in a large pot, in light soil, presents no difficulty and allows it to be protected from frost in winter.

Senecio mandraliscae, common name Blue Finger, is a small, creeping bush from the asteraceae family native to South Africa. Its exact origin is currently somewhat controversial, with some specialists suggesting a hybrid origin with Senecio citriformis, following a spontaneous cross-breeding that occurred in a South African garden. In any case, it is the bluest form of Senecio talinoides.

Forming a low and highly branched bush of up to 1 metre (3 feet) in height, this Senecio spreads over 2 metres (7 feet) over time, with its prostrate and fleshy stems easily rooting upon contact with the ground. This plant grows at a regular, rather fast pace, mainly during the rains, primarily in late summer and spring. Its juvenile appearance is different from that of a mature plant: the juvenile phase is characterized by short branches with short leaves. The adult branches, on the other hand, bear longer leaves, up to 10cm (4in), narrow and tapered, cylindrical, succulent, upright, very blue, covered with a waxy film and white bloom to withstand periods of heat and drought. Flowering generally occurs in late summer in our climates. Leafy and branched floral stems rise among the foliage, bearing small, insignificant cream-white inflorescences at their tips.

Frost-sensitive, this shrub seems to be able to withstand -5°C (23°F) in perfectly dry soil during winter. Therefore, Senecio mandraliscae can only be cultivated in open ground in warm regions. Fortunately, it is easy to cultivate in a large pot elsewhere. The key is to ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot and provide it with very light, well-drained soil. In this case, watering in summer will be particularly appreciated by the plant. Remember to store it indoors in a bright, airy, cool room, and reduce watering significantly during winter.