
Photo: AnarchyteCC BY 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Florist's Cineraria Plant Care
Pericallis hybrida (Regel) B.Nord.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pericallis × hybrida, known as cineraria, florist's cineraria or common ragwort is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It originated as a hybrid between Pericallis cruenta and P. lanata, both natives of the Canary Islands. The hybrid was first developed in the British royal gardens in 1777. It was originally known as Cineraria × hybrida, but the genus Cineraria is now restricted to a group of South African species, with the Canary Island species being transferred to the genus Pericallis; some botanists also treat it in a broad view of the large and widespread genus Senecio. Some varieties are sold under the trade name Senetti.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Florist's Cineraria?
Plant Florist's Cineraria in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Florist's Cineraria?
Florist's Cineraria (Pericallis hybrida) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Pericallis genus. Florist's Cineraria is also known as Cineraria, Pericallis cruenta.
Florist's Cineraria displays a compact, bushy habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Florist's Cineraria produces colorful daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Florist's Cineraria?
Water a young or newly planted Florist's Cineraria every 7–10 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Florist's Cineraria Need?
Florist's Cineraria thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Florist's Cineraria in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Florist's Cineraria Prefer?
Pericallis hybrida tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Florist's Cineraria prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Florist's Cineraria?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Florist's Cineraria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Florist's Cineraria?
Feed Florist's Cineraria 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Florist's Cineraria?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Florist's Cineraria is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Florist's Cineraria?
Florist's Cineraria can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.
How Do You Prune a Florist's Cineraria?
Prune Florist's Cineraria 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.
How Do You Care for a Florist's Cineraria in Winter?
Florist's Cineraria is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Florist's Cineraria?
Florist's Cineraria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canary island daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Florist's Cineraria 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 Florist's Cineraria?
Florist's Cineraria 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Florist's Cineraria Need?
Florist's Cineraria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Florist's Cineraria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Florist's Cineraria 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 Pericallis genus — compare its care with other Pericallis species on PlantoScan.
Pericallis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Florist's Cineraria 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: Pericallis hybrida (Regel) B.Nord., family Asteraceae (first published in Opera Bot. 44: 21 (1978)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Florist's Cineraria 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: Anarchyte, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
