Senecio serpens
Senecio serpens, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks, is a striking, low-growing succulent with a spreading habit. Its fleshy, cylindrical leaves are a distinctive powdery blue-grey, giving the plant a cool, muted appearance. The leaves grow densely along trailing or upright stems, forming a lush, textured groundcover or cascading effect in containers. In summer, small white flowers may emerge, contrasting subtly against the blue foliage.
Cultural
Thrives in a full sun position for optimal growth and vibrant colour but will tolerate part shade, though this may cause stems to elongate and become less compact; it requires well-draining soil, flourishing in sandy, rocky, or gritty conditions, while heavy, water-retentive soils should be avoided or improved with sand or gravel for better drainage.
Landscape Uses
A versatile and visually striking succulent, ideal for a range of landscaping applications. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it perfect as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilise soil on slopes or embankments. It thrives in rockeries, where its blue-green foliage contrasts beautifully with stone and other drought-tolerant plants. This succulent is well-suited to coastal gardens, as it withstands salt-laden winds and sandy soils. It also works effectively in container plantings, either as a feature plant or spilling over the edges for a cascading effect.
Dimensions
Height to 15cm
Spread to 60cm
Spread to 60cm