PlantFiles: Dusty Miller, Velvet Centaurea
Centaurea cineraria

The name Centaurea cineraria is of dubious accuracy. This name has been applied to a variety of plants which really deserve another name. This is possibly the case here as the images shown are not actually of a Centaurea, but of Senecio maritima, another Mediterranean plant with gray leaves. For some reason, it is very common for this plant to be mis-identified in the US horticultural trade. If you left the plants pictured to flower, you would notice that they produce a loose corymb of yellow daisy-like flowers. True Centaureas, on the other hand, all produce the same sort of 'batchelor button' like fowers. In C. gymnocarpa (sometimes mis-identified as C. cineraria), these are lavender-purple; in C. ragusina (also often mis-id'ed as C. cineraria) they are larger and bright yellow.

I was surprised to find that about half of the Dusty Millers I planted last year overwintered just fine here in zone 5 this year -- had lots of snow for protection.

Beautiful to dry and use in wreaths or arrangements. They look particularly nice as a contrast color in wreaths with eucalyptus or salal leaves The lacy texture compliments as well. To dry:

Cut full stems (leaves) off the plant. Remove bottom side branching so you have a slight stem. Spread the leaves in between pieces of newspaper. After all are placed, weight the newspaper down with a book or some other flat weight (for flat pieces) OR (for pieces with some curl) do not weight the paper. Put the newspaper/stems in a dark spot or somewhere out of direct sunlight.

It will take about 3 weeks for the stems to dry out completely. Store unused stems in a box or dark place where insects (moths in particular) won't bother. They will last for several years.

This plant is very easy to grow so long as it has good drainage. While it tolerates drought well, constantly wet feet will quickly lead to rot. Does best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial-sun conditions so long as it gets some full sun for a few hours during the day. Will frequently overwinter here in Zone 6/7, but plants can get a bit scraggly that 2nd season.

For me this plant is a PERFECT contrast plant for brighter colors. I've paired it at different times with bright pink petunias, red salvias, bright purple verbena, etc., & it sets off these plants beautifully. It's also a TERRIFIC border plant for an all-white/silver "Moon Garden".

I live in zone 8b. I planted some dusty miller last year, and was surprised to see that they lived through the winter months. We planted them around our mailbox in full sun, with some gerbera daisies. They looked great together. Marie

Deeply cut, oak leaf shaped leaves are covered with tiny white hairs. This plant can sometimes overwinter when protected, and is used as background for colorful flowers. The common name also refers to several other annuals and perennials.