Scientific Name
Senecio angulatus L. f.
Common Name(s)
Climbing Groundsel, Creeping Groundsel, Cape Ivy, Garden Senecio, Mile-a-Minute, Scrambling Groundsel, Vining Senecio, Canary Creeper
Synonym(s)
Senecio macropodus, Cineraria laevis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Description
Senecio angulatus is a scrambling or twining succulent that grows up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall as a dense, tangled shrub or a climber that can reach 20 feet (6 m) in height. Leaves are thick, fleshy, glossy green, and alternately arranged. They are rhombic to ovate, coarsely toothed with 1 to 3 teeth on each side, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide. Flowers are yellow and daisy-like and appear in open clusters at the end of the branches, mainly during late fall and winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Established Senecios are extremely drought tolerant. They need some water during the summer but do not leave the soil wet for prolonged periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in winter, when they are somewhat dormant. Since they are growing in sandy soil, nutrients need to be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can get floppy. You can prune them back to where the stem is firm in early spring. You can even root the cuttings.
Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring. If you are growing them in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. Wait until there is no danger of frost and move them back indoors in the fall.
Senecio can be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds prefer warm temperatures and constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall. Root the cuttings in sandy soil in containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Links
- Back to genus Senecio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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