How to Grow Silver Ghost
iNaturalist
Silver Ghost
Senecio cineraria (formerly Cineraria maritima)
shrubSilver Ghost is an ornamental foliage plant prized for its striking silvery-white, deeply lobed leaves that create a feathery, delicate appearance. This tender perennial is commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates and makes an excellent accent plant in gardens, containers, and mixed borders. Its finely textured foliage provides beautiful contrast to darker-leaved plants.
When should you plant Silver Ghost in your zone?
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Example Silver Ghost timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Silver Ghost
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Silver Ghost
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Silver Ghost dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in colder zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny silvery leaves emerge; seedlings are delicate with fine, gray cotyledons
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly lobed, silvery-gray leaves. Height and width increase steadily
Gradually acclimate to full sun. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Pinch tips early to encourage bushier growth
Established Foliage
Ongoing through growing seasonPlant reaches mature size with dense, finely textured silvery foliage. Foliage color is most intense and vibrant
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Reduce fertilizer frequency to every 6-8 weeks. Remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves. Deadhead any yellow flower buds if grown purely for foliage
Flowering (Optional)
Summer monthsSmall yellow button-like flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage. Flowers are not particularly ornamental
Flowering is not the main attraction. Deadhead flowers to encourage continued foliage production and maintain plant energy. Can allow flowering if seeds are desired
Overwintering/Dormancy
November-MarchIn zones 9b and below, foliage may fade or plant may be treated as annual and removed after frost
In frost-prone areas, bring containers indoors to cool, bright location (50-60°F). Reduce watering significantly. In zones 10+, can remain outdoors with minimal winter care
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use yellow sticky traps. Introduce parasitic wasps. Improve air circulation
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Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab. Spray with insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil weekly until controlled
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation
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and
Hand-pick, especially at night. Use copper tape barriers. Apply slug baits. Remove debris and hiding spots
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Container Gardens
HouseholdSilver Ghost is widely used as a foliage accent in mixed container plantings, annual borders, and landscape designs. Its silvery color provides striking contrast to darker-colored flowering plants and enriches overall garden aesthetics. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe silvery-white stems and delicate foliage are prized by floral designers for fresh and dried arrangements. Stems add texture and a soft color palette to bouquets and decorative displays. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSenecio species have been used in traditional medicine, though modern use is limited. Some cultures used related species for respiratory and digestive purposes, though efficacy is not scientifically established. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, the small yellow blooms attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, providing a food source during the growing season. [source]
Edible Garnish (Minimal)
CulinaryWhile not commonly eaten, Silver Ghost foliage can be used sparingly as an ornamental garnish in some cuisines, valued more for visual appeal than flavor. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Silver Ghost is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch or trim stems regularly to maintain bushiness and desired shape. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements for their silvery color. In late summer, allow some flowers to go to seed if you wish to collect seeds for next season (seeds mature in fuzzy seed heads)
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Silver Ghost's foliage gets its distinctive silvery color from tiny hairs (trichomes) that cover the leaf surface, which also helps the plant reflect sunlight and reduce water loss in hot conditions.
- 🌱 This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens and areas with saline soils.
- 🌱 In the Victorian era, Silver Ghost was extremely popular as a 'dot plant' in formal bedding schemes—a central tall plant surrounded by lower-growing annuals.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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