Silver Ragwort

jacobaea maritima

Also known as: ["Cineraria maritima","Senecio cineraria"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Jacobaea Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial evergreen subshrub with silvery-white, woolly leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Jacobaea
Botanical Name: Jacobaea maritima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, coastal garden, or container in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix works well.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water deeply to encourage root growth.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.

Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light with some shade.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back leggy stems to a healthy node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water sparingly post-repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Jacobaea maritima may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Jacobaea maritima can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Jacobaea maritima may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Jacobaea maritima due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Jacobaea maritima, particularly due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage and other systemic effects upon ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting loss of appetite lethargy liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected to mitigate potential health risks.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Jacobaea maritima by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential liver toxicity due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Chronic exposure may result in more severe health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy liver dysfunction
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Jacobaea maritima contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon ingestion. The toxicity is cumulative and may not manifest immediately but can lead to serious health issues with repeated exposure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain liver damage
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep plants out of reach of children and ensure proper handling to prevent accidental consumption.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Jacobaea maritima toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Silver Ragwort?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Q: Does Silver Ragwort attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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