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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Synonyms: [Senecio petasitis, S. petasites] |
| Height: 8-10 feet |
| Width: 8-10 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Roldana petasitis (Velvet Groundsel) - The Velvet Groundsel is a large sprawling evergreen shrub that can grow to 8 to 10 feet tall and the same width with large (8 wide and long) roundish, velvety bright green leaves. In winter to early spring appear the branched inflorescence of deep burgundy colored flower buds that open to display hundreds of bright yellow daisy flowers. Roldana plant tolerates a wide range of soils and irrigation practices and although drought resistant, plants look best with occasional irrigation. It prefers to be planted in full sun in wind sheltered coastal gardens as leaves are torn by wind and they will droop in high temperatures but also grows well in shade where leaves get larger but it tends not to as much flower; hardy to the mid 20s F but can freeze to the ground and resprout after even colder temperatures. With its bold large foliage it lends a tropical look in the garden without the accompanying high water requirements. Best treated as a large shrubby perennial, and looks much better if it is cut back hard after flowering. Roldana petasitis is a shrubby member of the Groundsel group of the daisy family (Asteraceae) from the mountainous areas of Oaxaca of Mexico and is most commonly known and referred to as Senecio petasitis but is has been reclassified as Roldana petasitis. It has also been known as Cineraria petasitis and sometimes is referred to as the California Geranium. 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. We also grow a similar plant that has red petioles and larger leaves that is called Roldana oaxacana (AKA Senecio cristobalensis).
The information about Roldana petasitis displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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