Mysest56 
September 2, 2018
Heavy rains and prime growing conditions could be in the forecast for gardens across the country, to the joy of the anglers everywhere. Yet every year, October nonetheless manages to be a year with catastrophic fires and drought for a number of areas of the country. Approach this challenge proactively by opting to plant blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae). Not only can it be an attractive drought tolerant solution, Senecio can also be fire resistant — perfect for firewise landscaping.
The staff in Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture can not get enough of this plant. “Senecio is one of our favorite plants to use. It adds structure and texture to any planting strategy. It fills in huge areas quickly, looks good year-round and just needs seasonal grooming to nip off the flower stalks. It’s not a plant also will grow in a variety of soils. Best of all, it’s a low water user friendly and perfect for our climate.”
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Botanical name: Senecio mandraliscae
Common names: Blue chalk sticks; gloomy finger and blue chips
USDA zones: 9-12
Water necessity: Low water needs but tolerant of Frequent irrigation; don’t overwater
Sun necessity: Full sun to light shade in arid climates
Mature size: 1-2′ h x 2-3′ disperse
Tolerances: Drought tolerant, Higher wind, second line salt wind
Environmental advantages: Attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds; fire resistant
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Distinguishing attributes. Senecio has two unbeatable design features going for this: color and texture. The dense manicured mat of trendy grayish-blue creates a solid field of the soothing and subtle shade, while 3-4″ long leaves up from the ground like fleshy oceanic spikes.
An evergreen succulent, this plant will offer colorful interest in your garden throughout the year with an insignificant white flower appearing in summer.
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The best way to use it. “The chalky blue color is striking with greens and dark purples and is a fantastic foil to splashes of hot orange,” says designer Jamie Morf. If you plant this dispersing plant as a groundcover or a container plant, freely use it to highlight contrasting golden tones — note how well the grim foliage of this Senecio matches the rich reddish color of this single container in this garden.
Thriving in well-drained soil, go as far as to plant Senecio in a gravel bed for the ultimate in clean layout. Whether liner a garden path or framing a courtyard, the foliage of Senecio mandraliscae Gradually cascades in from the edges such as an upcoming textural wave.
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Before you plant. Hardy to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, your Senecio might need to take shelter in your house in case your area sees freezing temperatures. It’s tolerant of any amount of heat. Be certain you keep your plant in well-drained dirt, preferably sand-based. And if a loose sprawling specimen is always attractive, you can easily keep the Senecio compact and in a desirable shape through pruning.
More:
Great Design Plant: Walker’s Low Catmint
Great Design Plant: Slipper Plant
Great Design Plant: New Zealand Wind Grass