Senecio doria

A robust plant for the border or wildlife garden - as the image shows the flowers are very attractive to bumble bees.

Description

A strong growing plant reaching a height of 1.1 - 1.3 metres. The serrated leaves, a fresh green in colour, contrast well the often purple tinged stems. From July onwards successive flowerheads develop turning the upper half of the plant yellow. Each flower has around 8 ray florets approximately around 35 mm from tip to tip and a rich yellow colour. The central disc florets start the same colour and then turn brown as they age which I find more appealing.

Cultivation

Senecio doria is a tough plant. Full sun or light shade and tolerant of varying soil moisture levels. It would pay to give it a little room to spread, which will reward you with a spectacular floral display. The plant clumps up nicely from underground stems but I have never found it to be too invasive. It is, however, a strong plant and should be put in similar company.