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      How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Dusty Miller

      The dusty miller plant adds beautiful, silvery foliage to a garden and is easy to care for. Learn how to grow it in this in-depth guide.

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      Written by Last updated: October 2, 2023 | 9 min read

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      Contents

      Dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima), sometimes called silver ragwort, is a member of the Aster family. This plant is an herbaceous perennial that’s winter hardy in zones 7 through 10, although it is very commonly grown as an annual and replaced each year by fresh plants. Here, I’ll share essential tips for growing and caring for this attractive plant.

      These plants are native to northern Africa, western Asia, and parts of Europe. They stay fairly compact, rarely reaching more than 1.5 to 2 feet tall, although many cultivars are smaller. 

      This species is most commonly grown for its attractive silvery foliage. The leaves are deeply serrated and covered with a downy white fuzz, which gives them a soft, silvery appearance. The flowers are generally yellow and will attract pollinators when in bloom. Some people prefer to remove the flowers to focus on the foliage so the plants maintain a more compact and rounded growth form. 

      If you’re ready to start growing, keep reading to learn more about these fantastic garden plants!

      Plant Overview

      Plant Type Herbaceous perennial
      Family Asteraceae
      Genus Jacobaea
      Species maritima
      Native Area Northern Africa, Western Asia, Europe
      USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 10
      Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade
      Soil Type Average, Well-drained
      Water Dry to medium
      Plant Spacing 6 – 12 inches
      Suggested Uses Annual flower beds, Containers, Borders, Mixed plantings
      Plant With Begonia, Coleus, Dianthus, Marigold, Petunia
      Bloom Season Mid to late summer
      Flower Color Yellow
      Attracts Pollinators
      Problems Root rot, Rust, Aphids
      Resistant To Drought, Heat, Deer, Shade
      Height 1 – 1.5 feet

      Cultivation

      A close-up reveals the intricate details of a dusty miller leaf, with its deeply serrated edges. Each jagged groove adds depth and intricacy to the overall appearance, making this leaf a stunning example of nature's artistry.
      This low-maintenance plant can be grown as an annual or perennial.

      This is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance garden plant. In mild climates, it is also long-lasting and frost-tolerant. In warmer climates, you can grow it as a perennial, although many gardeners still prefer to grow it as an annual.

      Regardless of your regional climate, you can take cuttings and overwinter them indoors to be replanted outside in the following spring. You can also start them easily from seeds or find them for sale in nurseries and garden centers. 

      Do you plant an annual flower garden? Grow dusty miller along the edge as a border plant or in the middle as a central focal point. Have a patio garden? Grow it in mixed containers with other colorful annuals so their silvery leaves will make a fine companion plant. Need something quick and easy to fill in some gaps in your garden? This is an excellent filler plant that would look great in any setting.

      Propagation

      This species is very easy to propagate and grow. Start plants from seed in the spring or start new plants from cuttings taken from mature plants. 

      Seed

      A seed tray, divided into separate sections, each filled with dark, fertile soil. Water is cascading from a watering hose, transforming into a misty spray that gently showers the soil below.
      Grow from seeds starting 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.

      Are you ready to grow dusty miller from seed? It’s quite simple to do. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your average last spring frost date. Do not bury the seeds. Simply sprinkle them on the soil surface and press them onto the soil to make full contact. Then, water the soil well and keep the soil warm and moist until the seeds sprout, possibly up to three weeks after sowing. 

      If you use multi-cell pots and have sown multiple seeds per cell, thin them to one seedling per unit. Keep the seedlings warm and the soil moist, and keep them in a location with plenty of bright sunlight or under a grow light. After all the danger of frost has passed and your seedlings are several inches tall, you can safely transplant them into your garden or planter. 

      Seedlings

      Dusty miller plants, with their silvery leaves, grow vibrantly in a rich, dark soil. Each plant is placed strategically, just inches apart, ensuring they have enough space to spread their foliage.
      Purchasing seedlings from a garden center in the springtime is convenient and easy.

      Sometimes, it’s just easier to buy seedlings from the store. In the spring, many garden centers selling summer bedding plants will have them in stock.

      You will probably have a variety of multi-cell pots full of perky little plants to select from. Choose a healthy-looking batch. Check to see that the stems are straight and strong.

      The leaves and stems should be firm and vibrant looking. Don’t buy plants with obvious signs of rot or insect damage.

      Cuttings

      A red container holds a bed of dark, fertile soil. In the soil, young dusty miller plants thrive. Positioned nearby, a red trowel, and seed tray rest on the soil.
      Propagate plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in potting soil.

      If you can access a mature plant, you can take cuttings to create more plants. Cut a healthy section of stem tip three or four inches long.

      Remove the lower couple of leaves to have a bare stem on one end and a few healthy leaves at the tip end. Dip the bare stem in rooting hormone and then plant the stem in fresh, clean potting soil.

      Keep your cutting in a warm, brightly lit location, and keep the soil moist to the touch. After a few weeks, you should start to see fresh leaves growing, and this will be your sign that the cutting was successful.

      Planting

      A dusty miller leaf, its edges finely serrated, capturing the plant's unique texture and structure. The leaf stands out with its silvery-gray color against the blurred backdrop of rich, dark soil.
      Plant in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.

      When you are ready to plant your seedlings, cuttings, or nursery-grown plants outside, wait until springtime, after the danger of frost has passed. Identify the location where you want to grow your plants.

      Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root mass. Carefully remove your plant from its pot and transfer it into the hole. 

      Fill in the gaps around the root mass with fresh soil and carefully tamp the soil into place. Now, thoroughly water your plant and keep it moist for the next week to help it settle into its new home.

      How to Grow

      Sunlight 

      A cluster of dusty millers, their silvery leaves glinting in the sun's warm embrace, create a mesmerizing display of textured foliage. The plants stand tall, proudly exhibiting their drought-resistant adaptation, a testament to nature's resilience.
      This plant can tolerate shade but prefers full sun, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

      Dusty miller generally prefers full sun to partial shade, although they will also tolerate deeper shade and could be suitable for a shade garden. Plants in heavy shade will have greener leaves and may develop long, leggy growth. In hot, dry climates, they may prefer dappled afternoon shade over full sun exposure.

      Water 

      Groups of silver dusty millers stand tall against soil covered in a thick layer of mulch. The fuzzy leaves of the dusty millers are coated with a silver sheen, giving them a shimmering appearance.
      This type benefits from occasional watering in prolonged dry conditions.

      This subtle bedding plant thrives in dry to medium moisture soil. These plants will tolerate some drought, although they appreciate occasional watering during prolonged dry conditions, especially in smaller containers. Drought-tolerant does not mean that a plant needs no water, only that it can survive for short periods with less!

      Soil 

      A Dusty Miller plant with silvery leaves flourishes, its unique foliage adding an elegant touch to the garden. The plant thrives in a brown, clumped soil, creating a captivating contrast of textures.
      The soil should be loose and well-drained for optimal growth.

      Soil should be loose and well-drained. Average garden soil is sufficient as long as the soil is well-drained. 

      Climate and Temperature 

      Amidst the winter landscape, a vibrant Dusty Miller plant basks in the gentle sunlight. Its silver leaves glisten, offering a refreshing sight against the snow-covered terrain. Nature's beauty is showcased as the plant thrives in the icy serenity.
      Growing these plants in cold climates requires protective mulching for winter survival.

      You can grow this pretty plant during the warmer months in any climate. In cold climates, cooler than USDA hardiness zone 7, they typically won’t survive the winter.

      To increase the odds of your plants surviving the winter when the temperatures drop below zero, mulch your flower beds well to help protect the roots. Plants may be more prone to foliage diseases in very wet, humid climates.

      Fertilizer 

      A close-up of hands cradling a mound of rich brown soil, showcasing its texture and earthy color. In the background, a blurred bed of soil provides context, hinting at the nurturing environment for the held earth.
      Fertilize these plants when necessary with organic compost or an organic flower fertilizer.

      Dusty miller typically doesn’t need extra fertilizer. However, if your plants start to look weak, you can give them a mid-season side-dressing of organic compost or offer a balanced flower fertilizer. If you want to fertilize, follow the directions on the product you use.

      Maintenance 

      Leaves of dusty miller capture the sunlight in a mesmerizing display of shimmer and shine. The sun reveals their silvery hues and emphasizes the unique geometry of their finely notched edges.
      Maintaining these plants involves minimal effort, including mulching in mild winters and occasional pruning.

      These plants are generally very low maintenance and don’t require too much extra work to maintain them. In mild climates, mulch your plants in the winter to protect them from extreme winter freezes. If the plants start to grow leggy and unkept-looking, prune them back to encourage them to stay bushy and compact.

      Garden Design

      A vibrant garden bursts with life, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors through its diverse array of plants. Among them, the dusty miller adds an elegant touch to the lively botanical display.
      These plants enhance gardens with their silvery leaves, especially paired with vibrant annual flowers.

      You can use dusty miller plants in your home garden in so many ways. One of my favorite uses for these plants is to grow them in raised beds or large planters for a colorful summer garden design. Group the silvery leaves with an assortment of vibrant annual flowers for a stunning display of seasonal color. 

      It also makes a lovely border plant. These plants stay relatively compact and can be pruned if they become too leggy. You can also intersperse them with other annuals and perennials so their neutral silvery leaves can complement any flower color. 

      Do you have a vegetable garden, herb garden, or perennial flower garden that needs a bit of extra beauty? Plant it for a subtle charm that doesn’t ever feel overwhelming. The attractive foliage looks nice without growing aggressively or stealing the show. 

      This plant grows well in full sun or partial shade, so it is easy to incorporate into many different landscape situations. You can plant them in the spring and enjoy them all summer and fall.

      You can also plant them later in the season to highlight autumn colors and fall-themed cut-flower gardens. They will survive the first few light frosts before dying back for the winter so that you can enjoy them for an extra-long growing season.

      Varieties

      There are several interesting cultivars, but you probably won’t see them all together at your local garden center. Fortunately, whichever cultivar you purchase will be a welcome addition to your garden. Many of these varieties are very similar in appearance, with variations primarily in overall size and leaf shape. 

      ‘Silverdust’

      Silverdust Dusty Miller plant stands tall, its silvery leaves glistening in the sunlight, providing an elegant contrast against the lush green foliage surrounding it. Clusters of delicate white flowers bloom gracefully beside the Silverdust Dusty Miller.
      The popular ‘Silverdust’ cultivar grows up to 12 inches tall.

      ‘Silverdust’ is one of the more popular cultivars. This plant has soft, silvery, deeply cut foliage. These plants grow to be 10 to 12 inches tall.

      They generally maintain a mounded form, making them excellent for growing along borders and edges. This cultivar has yellow flowers.

      ‘Silver Filigree’

      A close-up of the intricate leaves of a Silver Filigree plant, showcasing their unique texture and details. The leaves appear to be deeply lobed, creating an almost lacy pattern that adds to their visual appeal.
      This small cultivar has silvery-green leaves and creamy yellow flowers.

      ‘Silver Filigree’ is one of the smallest cultivars available. It grows only 6 to 8 inches tall but can spread out and act as a ground cover.

      The leaves are silvery-green, soft, and relatively small. ‘Silver Filagree’ has creamy yellow flowers. 

      ‘Blazin’ Glory’

      Blazin’ Glory leaves exhibit a stunning spectacle as they nestle closely together, forming a captivating natural arrangement. Their ovate shape adds a touch of elegance, while the shimmering silver hue infuses a sense of sophistication.
      With serrated, soft leaves and unique red blooms, this variety grows up to 18 inches.

      ‘Blazin’ Glory’ is a cultivar with extremely soft-looking leaves. The leaves are broad yet deeply serrated, to the point of looking slightly ruffled. This variety grows about 18 inches tall and has unusual red flowers.

      ‘Cirrus’

      Cirrus leaves, with their serrated edges, capture the sunlight, highlighting their intricate structure. The shadows they create add depth and contrast, enhancing their visual appeal amidst the radiant illumination of the sun's rays.
      This compact plant has grayish-white leaves and yellow flowers.

      ‘Cirrus’ has more broadened leaves towards the tips while staying deeply cut along the lower edge. The leaves are soft grayish-white in color.

      This variety stays compact, reaching only about 12 inches tall. It produces yellow flowers.

      ‘Silver Lace’

      Slender silver stems of silver lace, elegantly uphold clusters of yellow flowers in a graceful display of nature's artistry. Bathed in sunlight the blossoms with their radiant petals seemingly stretching skyward in a joyful embrace of the sun's warmth.
      This variety has finely cut leaves and reaches up to 8 inches tall.

      The ‘Silver Lace’ cultivar has more finely cut leaves than many other varieties, giving it a more delicate appearance. But don’t worry, it’s just as hardy as its cousins.

      ‘Silver Lace’ stays quite compact, rarely reaching over 8 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for containers. ‘Silver Lace’ has yellow flowers.

      Wildlife Value

      A close-up of a delicate white moth perching on vibrant yellow flowers of dusty miller plants. The moth stands out against the blurred background of lush green leaves, creating a lovely and serene scene in the garden.
      These plants have limited wildlife value but can be grown for their ornamental value.

      If dusty miller plants reach the flowering phase, butterflies and other pollinators will come to visit the flowers. Otherwise, this plant does not have great wildlife value.

      It is generally not bothered by deer or rabbits but doesn’t necessarily repel them. While this species doesn’t offer much to wildlife, it makes a beautiful complement to other wildlife-friendly plants. 

      Pests and Diseases

      This plant is generally not bothered by many pests or diseases. Avoid wet soil conditions that can lead to root rot and fungal diseases like rust. As with any plant, watch for potential insect invasions, such as aphids.

      Root Rot 

      A close-up of fingers delicately gripping a slender root emerging from a clump of soil. The presence of root rot becomes apparent, as the withered and discolored roots exhibit signs of distress.
      Plants can experience root rot in wet soil, causing the plant to become limp, mushy, and brown.

      If plants sit in wet, saturated soil, they can develop root rot. You will notice something is wrong with your plant because it will start to look limp and mushy.

      The leaves and stems will become soft and brown, and plants will fall over. Once a plant has developed root rot, it may be best to remove it and avoid overly wet conditions. However, you can try rejuvenating the plant by carefully removing it from its soil, pruning off damaged roots, and replanting it in a fresh, well-draining potting mix.

      Rust 

      A leaf with patches of rust, indicating the presence of infection. The vibrant green of the healthy leaf contrasts sharply with the orange areas affected by rust, representing the cycle of life and death in nature.
      Rust is a common fungal infection caused by wet weather.

      This plant is somewhat prone to rust. Rust is caused by a fungal infection that is most common after an extended period of wet weather. Rust on dusty miller generally looks like yellow or orange patches on the undersides of the leaves and, if allowed to spread, will infect the entire plant, causing it to appear stunted, deformed, or die. 

      If you have had problems with rust, try to choose disease-resistant varieties. At the end of the growing season, remove leafy debris from around the plants where diseases can overwinter and spread the following year. Water your plants from below rather than unnecessarily spraying water on the leaves.

      Aphids 

      A group of aphids tightly packed, feasting on a plant's tender leaves. Their bright green bodies gleam as the sunlight bounces off their shiny exoskeletons, giving them an iridescent appearance.
      These tiny insects damage plants by feeding and transmitting diseases.

      Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, typically green, pink, or grayish in color. They suck hide on the undersides of leaves and along stems, sucking plant juices with tiny piercing mouthparts. Aphids will cause stunted growth and deformed leaves, and they can transmit plant diseases. 

      To help control aphids, encourage beneficial insects to visit your garden. Spray heavily infected plants with a jet of water to dislodge and disrupt the aphid feeding cycle.

      Spray infected plants with insecticidal soap, but do this in the evenings to minimize potential harmful contact with beneficial insects that fly primarily during the day. Closely follow the directions on whichever product you decide to use.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Should I allow my dusty miller to overwinter or buy fresh plants each year?

      u003c!u002du002d wp:heading {u0022levelu0022:3} u002du002du003ernrnIf you live in a relatively warm climate, you have the option to overwinter your plants or start fresh each year. Many people choose to start new plants each year. This is convenient if you want your plants to stay more compact or want to move them around each year. If you choose to overwinter them, you can still prune them low in late winter or early spring so the fresh seasonal growth will be more compact. If you want to grow your dusty millers as perennials and not move them, u003cstrongu003eallowing them to overwinter is a perfectly fine optionu003c/strongu003e.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e

      Will it spread and become invasive?

      Dusty miller plants are not native to North America but u003cstrongu003earen’t u003ca href=u0022https://www.epicgardening.com/invasive-perennials/u0022u003einvasiveu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e, either. These plants may slowly spread into a larger clump, but they don’t spread in a way that will overtake your garden or the surrounding landscape.

      Is Dusty Miller an annual or a perennial?

      It totally u003cstrongu003edepends on your climate zoneu003c/strongu003e. Dusty miller can generally be grown as a perennial in zone 7 and warmer, but t will die back in the winter but regrow the following spring. If you live in zone 6 or cooler, you will have to grow dusty miller as an annual, and it makes a splendid annual garden plant. Even in warm climates, many people still choose to grow it as an annual because it is easy to grow, and young plants tend to look fresher and more robust than older plants.

      Final Thoughts

      This attractive foliage plant is easy to grow and worthy of consideration. Its soft, silvery-green leaves contribute complementary beauty and interest to your garden throughout the growing season. However you decide to incorporate this plant into your garden, dusty miller will surely please.

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