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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers) |
| Origin: Canary Islands (Atlantic Ocean) |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Synonyms: [Kleinia nerifolia] |
| Height: 4-8 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Senecio kleinia (Berode) - A succulent sparingly branched winter growing shrub with gray bark on thick articulated (with constrictions like a sausage) stems that can grow to 6 to 10 feet tall and wide but usually seen in cultivation in the 4 to 5 foot range. It has narrow 3 to 5 inch long gray-green leaves near the branch tips that come directly on the stems without a petiole. Small whitish yellow fragrant flowers appear in later spring to summer on terminal short branched corymbs followed by white fluffy seed heads. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate infrequently if at all in California coastal gardens, though some irrigation and feeding will keep foliage lush on this dry season dormant plant. It is frost hardy to 28 °F. A strange and attractive plant that needs little care and is great when used with other dry growing succulents or winter growing shrubs. It was originally introduced into cultivation by James Garret of England in 1593. Early on it was called the African Tree Groundsel, though it actually originated from the Canary Islands, where it grows on rocky coastal slopes. The most recent taxonomical treatment of this species has it reclassified as a Klenia neriifolia but there has been some disagreement with this treatment and we continue to list this plant as a Senecio so not to add to any confusion.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Senecio kleinia.
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