Scientific Name
Senecio longiflorus (DC.) Sch.Bip.
Common Name(s)
Paintbrush Flower, Sjambok Bush
Synonym(s)
Kleinia longiflora, Senecio longiflorus subsp. longiflorus, Cineraria angulosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Origin
Senecio longiflorus is native to Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa. It usually grows among rocks or under bushes.
Description
Senecio longiflorus is a much-branched succulent shrub with very fleshy, blue-green stems, usually leafless or nearly leafless during most of the year. It can grow up to 2.3 feet (70 cm) tall. The stems and branches are erect or creeping and can reach a diameter of up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm). They are round at first but later become somewhat prismatically angled or even furrowed (when dry) and are decorated with groups of three dark green or purple lines.
The plant produces bright yellow flowers on a short terminal inflorescence in late winter and spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°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 must be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can become floppy. In early spring, you can prune them back to a firm stem and 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. Propagation by cuttings is an easier and faster method. Take cuttings during the growing season, from early spring to fall, and root in sandy soil in containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
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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