Senecio glastifolius
Family: Compositae
Common name: LARGE SENECIO
Native to: South Africa
Plant
Types: annual, perennial
Form: erect
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 3.3 feet
Flower
magenta/purple
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Plant features: self-sows
Exposure: sun
Landscape use: container
Propagates by: seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: well drained
USDA Zones: zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F
Water: dry, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
There are 1666 species of Senecio, a member of the Compositae (Aster) family. It also goes by the name DUSTY MILLER. Senecios in cultivation are cineraria (perennial), glastifolius (perennial), mandraliscae (cactus and succulent), rufiglandulosus (cactus and succulent), and serpens (cactus and succulent). They flower in summer, range in height from 1 to 3½ feet, and will grow in moderate to dry conditions. Most are hardy to Zone 9.
Senecio glastifolius, also call LARGE SENECIO, a South African native, is grown as either a perennial or an annual. It grows to 3 1/3 high and wide in sun in well-drained soil in Zone 9 or 10. The simple leaves are alternate, green, lanceolate, and pointed. Grow it from seed and try it in a container. Give it regular or dry water. The purple flowers come out in summer.
As a Compositae it appeals to a great many butterflies.
Senecio in particular appeals to:
Atrytonopsis deva, Deva Skipper
Rekoa palegon, Gold-bordered Hairstreak
Apodemia mormo, Mormon Metalmark
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
