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Products > Roldana petasitis ssp. cristobalensis   Roldana petasitis ssp. cristobalensis - Red Leaved Velvet Senecio Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.     Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers) Origin: Mexico (North America) Evergreen: Yes Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: Yellow Bloomtime: Winter Synonyms: [Senecio cristobalensis, R. oaxacana] Height: 6-10 feet Width: 6-8 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F Roldana petasitis ssp. cristobalensis (Red Leaved Velvet Senecio) - Evergreen, tall shrub-like perennial that can grow to 10' tall with large velvety leaves up to 8" wide. The orbicular leaves are lobed and have prominent red veins and red undersides. Large clusters of yellow flowers appear in winter (January-February in Santa Barbara). Plant in full sun along coast to morning sun or afternoon shade inland. This is a Dennis Breedlove collection from Chiapas Mexico. It is hardy to low 20s° F but it can freeze down in the teens and rebound. Similar to Roldana petasitis but with darker foliage and red hairs on stems and undersides of leaves. Both this species and Roldana petasites, which we also grow, were previously classified as species of Senecio and originally this one was call Senecio cristobalensis but is now considered to be Roldana oaxacana but we continue to use the older name under which we received the plant until such time as Roldana oaxacana becomes more recognized. The name Roldana was published by Dr. Pablo de La Llave (1773 – 1833), a Mexican priest and naturalist, in 1925 to honor Eugenio Montaña y Roldan Otumbensi, who was thought to be a hero in a battle on the plains of Apam near Mexico City.  This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Roldana petasitis ssp. cristobalensis.