Photo: Denis BarthelCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Silver Ragwort Plant Care
Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its silvery-gray foliage, which gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Jacobaea maritima is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soil.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Silver Ragwort?
Water Silver Ragwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Silver Ragwort Native To?
What Is the Silver Ragwort?
Silver Ragwort (Jacobaea maritima) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Jacobaea genus. Silver Ragwort is native to the Mediterranean region. Silver Ragwort is also known as Dusty Miller, Othonna maritima, Cineraria maritima.
Silver Ragwort displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Silver Ragwort produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Silver Ragwort?
Jacobaea maritima requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Silver Ragwort Need?
Silver Ragwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Silver Ragwort Prefer?
Jacobaea maritima grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Silver Ragwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Silver Ragwort?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Silver Ragwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Silver Ragwort?
Feed Silver Ragwort every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Silver Ragwort?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Silver Ragwort?
Silver Ragwort can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Silver Ragwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Silver Ragwort?
Silver Ragwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Silver Ragwort Need?
Silver Ragwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Silver Ragwort is native to the Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Silver Ragwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Jacobaea genus — compare its care with other Jacobaea species on PlantoScan.
Jacobaea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Silver Ragwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden, family Asteraceae (first published in Heukels' Fl. Nederland : 677 (2005)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Silver Ragwort is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Denis Barthel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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