How to Grow Pewter Lace Silver Dust
Wikimedia Commons
Pewter Lace Silver Dust
Senecio cineraria 'Pewter Lace'
flowerPewter Lace Silver Dust is an ornamental foliage plant prized for its delicate, deeply lobed silver-grey leaves that create a lacy, ethereal texture in the garden. The plant produces small yellow flowers in summer, but is grown primarily for its striking foliage that serves as an excellent foil for vibrant bedding plants. It's commonly used in borders, containers, and mixed plantings for its long season of silvery-white color.
When should you plant Pewter Lace Silver Dust in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pewter Lace Silver Dust timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pewter Lace Silver Dust
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Pewter Lace Silver Dust blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pewter Lace Silver Dust dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual in cooler regions
Sign up free to see if Pewter Lace Silver Dust grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pewter Lace Silver Dust timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first leaves appearing fuzzy and silvery; very delicate
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping-off disease.
Early Vegetative
3-4 weeksYoung plants developing characteristic lobed leaves; silver coloration becoming more pronounced
Gradually harden off before transplanting outdoors. Pinch tips if needed to encourage bushier growth.
Established Growth
4-6 weeksPlant reaching mature foliage size with dense, lacy silver-grey leaves; compact mounded habit
Reduce watering frequency. Fertilize monthly with balanced or low-nitrogen formula to prevent excessive leggy growth.
Flowering
6-10 weeksSmall yellow daisy-like flowers appearing on stems above the foliage
Deadhead flowers to maintain foliage appearance and redirect energy to leaf production. Optional step.
Mature/Decorative
Until frost or end of seasonFull, silvery mound of finely textured foliage; continued flowering throughout season in warm climates
Maintain moderate watering. Cut back leggy growth in mid-season. In frost-prone areas, overwinter indoors or treat as annual.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove affected leaves; encourage beneficial insects
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate drainage to prevent stress
-
Isolate infected plants; treat with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs or insecticidal soap
-
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if widespread
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinarySenecio cineraria is toxic to humans and animals and should never be ingested or used in food preparation. [source]
Ornamental bedding and container gardens
HouseholdThe striking silver foliage provides year-round color contrast in mixed plantings, containers, and border designs. Its fine texture and neutral color complement nearly any flowering plant combination. [source]
Edging and accent planting
HouseholdUsed extensively in formal gardens as a border plant or focal point to create silvery outlines and structure in landscape beds. [source]
Fresh floral arrangements
CraftThe delicate, lacy foliage is highly valued by florists and flower arrangers for creating texture and visual interest in mixed bouquets and arrangements. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe small yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing a nectar source in the garden during summer months. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for production, but deadheading spent flowers encourages continued foliage display. Pinch or cut back stems as needed for shape and to prevent legginess. In perennial zones, cut back hard in late winter before new growth emerges.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Silver Dust,' the silvery coloring comes from fine hairs (trichomes) covering the leaves, not actual dust—these hairs also help the plant reflect heat and reduce water loss in hot, dry conditions.
- 🌱 Senecio cineraria is native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands, which is why it thrives in warm, dry conditions and sandy, well-draining soils.
- 🌱 The 'Pewter Lace' cultivar has more deeply dissected, finely textured leaves compared to standard Senecio cineraria, creating an almost feathery appearance that gives it exceptional ornamental appeal.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pewter Lace Silver Dust planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pewter Lace Silver Dust seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pewter Lace Silver Dust timeline →