Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls, String of Beads, String of Peas)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSenecio
Speciesrowleyanus
SynonymsCurio rowleyanus
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginSouth Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-12.2 - 4.4
Temperature (°F)10 - 40
Spread90 cm

Description and Growing Information

General Description Flowers are small, white to near white, brush-like on long peduncles.
PropagationCan be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds prefer warm temperatures (13°C) and constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, early spring to autumn. Root in containers of sandy soil.
CultivationExtremely drought tolerant, but needs some water during the summer. Do not leave the soil wet for prolonged periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in the winter, when it's somewhat dormant. Prefers sandy soil, so nutrients will need to be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly, too much fertilizer will cause leggy growth. Taller plants can get floppy. Prune them back to where the stem is firm, in very early spring. You can even root the cuttings. Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring. Prefers spending the summer outdoors when grown in pots. Wait until there is no danger of frost and move them back indoors in the autumn.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLong and trailing, lined with leaves.
Leaf DescriptionSpherical, 0.65 cm in diameter.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are small, brush-like, and on long peduncles.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are green. Flowers are white.
Texture DescriptionSmooth.

Photographs