Choosing plants for your garden

How to propagate Cineraria geifolia

Things you will need for the propagation

Cineraria geifolia is a perennial shrublet that can reach a height of 60 cm tall. Leaves are kidney-shaped and toothed with roughly hairy or hairless above and roughly hairy underneath. The plant bears delicate flowers that radiate in a terminal, loose, flat-topped clusters, bright yellow with 7-11 rays. It flowers from August to November.

See step by step guide below:

Cineraria geifolia

Scientific name: Cineraria geifolia (L.) L.

Family: ASTERACEAE

Common name: sea cineraria

Plant Description

This delicate sprawling perennial is a ‘must-have’ for any fynbos and water-wise garden. It grows in sheltered spots, on dunes, and among rocks in sandy soil. Cineraria geifolia is a perennial shrublet that can reach a height of 60cm tall. Leaves are kidney-shaped and toothed with roughly hairy or hairless above and roughly hairy underneath. The plant bears delicate flowers that radiate in a terminal, loose, flat-topped clusters, bright yellow with 7-11 rays. It flowers from August to November.

The name cineraria is derived from the Latin word cinerarius which means grey or ash-coloured referring to the leaves.

Growing and maintenance of Cineraria geifolia

C. geifolia requires well-drained soil and is adaptable to semi-shade and sun. It thrives in a well-sheltered spot in a garden. It’s ideal for hanging baskets, container plant as well as the rockery. It is water-wise and suitable for coastal gardens. Sea cineraria require moderate maintenance, pruning is not necessary however it can be cut back to encourage new growth.

You can propagate sea cineraria by means of cuttings or rooted runners. 7cm long cuttings can be taken from spring to autumn. They can be planted directly into the soil, though it will take longer before rooting. To encourage rooting, you can:

• Dipped cutting into rooting hormone powder;
• Plant them in a well-drained medium (50% of milled bark and 50% polystyrene); then 
• Place them in a mist unit with bottom heat of +/-23C.

But for those propagating from home, keep your cuttings moist in a cool spot. You can also use a clear plastic bag to cover the pot and make a mini-greenhouse. After all, if all this too much hassle for you, this plant is available at the UWC Cape Flat Nursery.

References
Jackson, W.P.U., 1990, Origins and Meanings of Names of South African Plant Genera, U.C.T. Printing Dept., Cape Town.
Manning, J. 2007, Field Guide to Fynbos, Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town
Hermanus Botanical Society. https://www.fernkloof.org.za/index.php/all-plants/plant-families/item/cineraria-geifolia. Accessed 03/04/2020