Scientific Name
Senecio fulgens (Hook.f.) G.Nicholson
Common Name(s)
Coral Senecio, Scarlet Kleinia
Synonym(s)
Kleinia fulgens, Notonia fulgens, Notonia welwitschii, Notoniopsis fulgens, Senecio hookerianus, Senecio welwitschii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Description
Senecio fulgens is a stunning grey-leafed succulent with a profusion of scarlet flowers. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall from a creeping tuberous rootstock. Leaves are fleshy, grey-green with purpling on the underside. Flowers appear in mid-winter.
The specific epithet "fulgens" means shining and refers to the vibrant scarlet color of the flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 will 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 very 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 in sandy soil, in containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal), Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Links
- Back to genus Senecio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
