Common Name: Senecio fulgens
Scientific Name: Senecio fulgens
Description
This species grows in valleys on cliff ledges and cracks. On the cliffs of its natural habitat, the shiny blue-grey leaves and stems tend to stand out, and again the plants can be seen from a fair way away. The fleshy stems tend to grow out over the cliff and hang down, then grow back up towards the light. The Autumn flowering time from May through to June that will stretch to July as you move further inland is the most obvious time to find this species on the cliffs. The bright red flowers attract many butterflies and other insects that pollinate them. The plant has a creeping, tuberous rootstock and in habitat, the aerial parts are often browsed by animals.
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Senecio fulgens plant care and instructions
Very easy to grow, Spear Head (Senecio fulgens) makes a very ornamental pale blue coloring in full sun in warm climates. It is drought tolerant but will accept irrigation. It is ideal for hot, dry spots in the garden, makes an attractive patio or porch plant in warmer climates, and can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates. It does best in sunny warm places with plenty of water and fertilizer in summer and then a proper dormant period in the winter will make this species flower profusely. The plant's trailing growth habit makes it excellent for hanging baskets. Moreover, this succulent plant is capable of surviving a temperature of -5°C. This plant is extremely easy to propagate hence its popularity in days gone by.
Light - They seem to do well in part shade such as at the base of trees, but thrives also in hot sunny positions and will tolerate coastal conditions. Place the spearhead on a lightly shaded patio, porch or balcony or near a window where it will receive direct morning sun or partly shaded afternoon sun.
Place - The plant grows to a height of about 600 mm and is ideal for planting in rockeries or other dry, sunny spots, as the scarlet flower heads add a splash of color in mid-winter.
Water - This plant seems to thrive with summer irrigation but does well if withheld and tolerates winter rainfall if the soil drains tolerably well. It adapts to different growing conditions from extreme heat and drought, to high moisture as it has a low rot potential. One watering per month will be necessary during winter.
Fertilizer - Fertilizing spearhead encourages stronger, healthier growth. Fertilize the plant with a liquid 2-7-7 succulent fertilizer once a month from spring to late summer.
Temperature - It is cultivated in the open air in the tropical and warm Mediterranean climate, with temperatures which it is good to keep over the 5°C, best 10-12°C, but can withstand light frost for short periods if very dry (hardy down -5º C, even if with damage to the foliage) in these situations it will better resist if sheltered by the winter rains, seen that the humidity and low temperatures render it more sensitive to rottenness. Plants in containers, however, suffered major leaf loss. Once the season is over, it is possible to bring the Spear Head into your house where it will easily tolerate the intense heat and drought. USDA Zone 9b to 12.
Special Features
The succulent leaves, which are an attractive grey/green, give the plant year-round appeal and add a pleasing contrast when planted amongst short grasses or spring-flowering bulbs.
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