Grow dusty miller in containers or the ground with this care guide.
Dusty miller is easy to grow and long-lasting.
It is awinter-hardy perennial in Zones 7-10.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Otherwise, it’sgrown as an annual.
It also works well as afiller for cut flower arrangements.
Dusty miller is toxic to pets.The plant is mildly toxic to people as well.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Use it as a background forlow-growing annuals, as an edging plant, or in containers.
This low-maintenance plant will thrive indrought-tolerant gardens.
Within 10-15 days, germination will take place.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fill in around the root ball with soil and water well.
Add more soil if needed.
Dusty Miller Care Tips
Dusty miller is easy to grow and even easier to care for.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
This plant seems to thrive in almost any garden or yard.
Once established, it is very drought-tolerant.
Light
Dusty miller does best infull sun but will tolerate part shade.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Part shade is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly morning sun.
Soil and Water
Dusty miller needs to be planted inwell-drained soil.
Because its origins are Mediterranean, dusty miller tolerates poor soil.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Water sparingly to prevent soil from getting waterlogged.
The best way to test whether dusty miller needs watering is to feel the soil.
If the top 1 inch is dry, it’s time to water.
Indoor plants may need even less water since they don’t get as much direct sunlight.
Keep in mind that wilting may be a sign of too much, not too little, water.
Temperature and Humidity
Dusty miller thrives in heat, thanks to its Mediterranean origins.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is only necessary when the soil is poor.
Amend the soil when planting dusty miller with organic matter like compost.
Addslow-release fertilizerto the soil at planting time or provide water-soluble fertilizer at about half-strength every two weeks if needed.
Overall, dusty miller doesn’t mind being pinched or sheared back.
This will help promote new growth and keep the plants lush and bushy.
Use a light, porous potting mix in a container with plenty of drainage.
If winters are cold, bring potted dusty miller plants indoors to protect them from the cold.
Transplanting should be done during the spring or early summer for best results.
Opt for a container one size larger than the current pot and fill it with fresh potting mix.
Move the plant to the new pot and firm around the roots with potting mix.
Water well to settle the plant and continue to water regularly until it’s established.
Root rot can be an issue because of overwatering; otherwise, they’re pretty much disease-free.
How to Propagate Dusty Miller
Propagate dusty miller in spring bycutting a 6-inch stem from new growth.
Strip off the leaves from the bottom 3 inches and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place the stem in a container with moistened potting mix.
Keep moist and warm, then transplant once new leaves begin to grow.
The few introduced are generally more silver than the straight species, or they offer more heat tolerance.
A few have notably lacier leaves as well.
It grows 18 inches tall and wide.
This tough plant blooms all summer long in hot, sunny spots.
Some are sweetly scented.
While most gardeners treat angelonia as an annual, it’s a tough perennial in Zones 9-10.
Petunia
Petunias are failproof favoritesfor gardeners everywhere and look fabulous next to dusty miller.
They are vigorous growers and prolificbloomers from midspringthrough late fall.
Color choices are nearly limitless, and many varieties are sweetly fragrant.
Basil
Basil is a bushy plantsuitable for garden beds or containers.
It calls for 12 dusty miller plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most varieties of dusty miller top out at around 12 inches.
The tallest-growing variety of dusty miller is ‘Silver Filigree.’
It can reach 24 inches in height.
Yes, dusty miller is susceptible to powdery mildew, which looks like white splotches of powder on leaves.
To reduce the problem, avoid splashing the foliage while watering.
Dusty miller makes a pretty dried plant.
Cut stems and create small bundles.
Hang them upside down to dry, then use in your arrangements once they are completely dried.
It depends on the variety.
Jacobaea maritima.North Carolina State University Extension.
Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants.
