Smooth Ragwort Plant Care

Smooth Ragwort (Packera glabella) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Packera genus. Smooth Ragwort is native to central and southeastern North America. Smooth Ragwort is also known as Smooth Senecio, Senecio carolinianus, Senecio densiflorus.

Smooth Ragwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Smooth Ragwort produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smooth Ragwort every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Smooth Ragwort thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Smooth Ragwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Packera glabella tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Smooth Ragwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Smooth Ragwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smooth Ragwort every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smooth Ragwort is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Smooth Ragwort can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Smooth Ragwort while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Smooth Ragwort is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Smooth Ragwort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to small-headed ragwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Smooth Ragwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Smooth Ragwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Smooth Ragwort is native to central and southeastern North America. In cooler regions, grow Smooth Ragwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.