Senecio candidans Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ is a new, unusual and eye-catching evergreen perennial with huge silvery or grey-white leaves. The leaf texture is soft, downy, almost velvety and irresistible to touch. This plant is all about foliage – yellow flowers may be borne, but rarely.
Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ originates from the Patagonian region of Chile in South America, close to the coast. It’s therefore tolerant of salt winds and is ideal for coastal planting. Senecio Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ is moderately hardy, down to -5°C, but only suited to remaining outdoors all year in mild locations with good drainage and low rainfall. It’s ideal for growing in a pot, though, which can be easily moved under cover from autumn to spring. This plant can be short-lived, especially if given too much moisture.
To grow outdoors year-round, plant in spring to establish before summer droughts and winter cold. Grow in free-draining soil. To grow in a pot, use a potting compost containing loam and mix in a third by volume of perlite or coarse grit to ensure the compost drains freely. Stand the pot on gravel or, if on paving, raise just off the ground so surplus water can run away.
Newly planted Senecio candidans Angel Wings ‘Senaw’ in the ground should be watered during dry spells until established, when plants will be drought tolerant. In pots, water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist but take care not to overwater and ensure that any excess can drain easily away.
Once established, this plant is easy to grow and requires little care. Remove faded older leaves as they appear, otherwise the dead leaves could be a potential source of rot. Protect from excess rain, especially over the winter months, and in areas where temperatures drop below-5°C. Grow in a pot and move to a greenhouse, polytunnel, conservatory or porch for the winter.
