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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Synonyms: [Kleinia galpinii, S. cephalophorus, Hort.] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Senecio galpinii – An erect evergreen perennial or subshrub growing to 16 inches tall with slightly flattened stems holding succulent chalky blue narrowly elliptical leaves that have a slight unpleasant aroma when bruised and a branched stem of lightly fragrant bright orange flowers. Plant in full sun to part shade in a well-drained soil or as a potted plant. Water occasionally to very little. Has proven hardy to the mid 20s and quite possibly should go lower given that it is native to the dry mountainous winter rainfall Richtersveld region of northwestern South Africa. Some consider this (and many other Senecio) to fit better in the genus Kleinia, a name used previously for many of the succulent Senecio but there is some disagreement in this treatment and so we continue to use the name Senecio until such time as this gets decided and becomes better recognized. The name for the genus Senecio comes from the Latin word 'senex' meaning "old" or "old man" in reference to its downy head of seeds and the specific epithet honors the South African botanist and explorer Ernest Edward Galpin (1858-1941) who with his naturalist and botanical artist wife, Maria Elizabeth Galpin, botanized much of South Africa. This plant is similar to the redder flowering Senecio fulgens but lacks the swollen stem base. This plant is also sometimes erroneously sold as Senecio cephalophorus, which is a rare and more difficult plant to cultivate that has yellow flowers.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any 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 Senecio galpinii.
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