Dusty Miller - New Look

$5.25

Overview

Dusty Miller 'New Look' (Jacobaea maritima) is a standout cultivar celebrated for its striking silvery-white foliage and unique leaf structure. Unlike the finely lacy varieties, 'New Look' features large, rounded, oak-like leaves that provide a solid mass of cool color. It is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage, acting as a luminous "neutral" that makes surrounding flower colors pop.

Plant characteristics

  • Mature size: 8 to 12 inches in height; 10 to 12 inches in spread.

  • Flower: Produces small, mustard-yellow daisy-like flowers in the second year; however, these are often removed to prioritize foliage growth.

  • Foliage: Large, lobed, silver-to-white leaves with a soft, woolly, felt-like texture.

  • Hardiness: Typically grown as a summer annual; hardy as a perennial in USDA zones 8–10.

Light requirements

Full Sun is essential for maintaining the intense silver coloration. While it can tolerate partial shade, the foliage may turn more green than silver and the plant can become leggy in lower light conditions.

Water requirements

Dusty Miller is quite drought-tolerant once established. It requires moderate watering—roughly an inch per week—allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between applications. Avoid overwatering, as the felted leaves can trap moisture and lead to rot.

Soil and drainage

Prefers well-drained soil of average fertility. It is highly adaptable to various soil types but will fail quickly in heavy clay or waterlogged areas. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal.

Fertilizer

Requires minimal feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is sufficient to maintain vigorous foliage without causing excessive, weak growth.

Maintenance and pruning

Pruning is minimal. Pinch back the tips if the plant becomes too tall to encourage a bushier, mounded habit. Most gardeners choose to remove the flower stalks as they emerge to keep the plant's energy focused on its decorative leaves.

Uses and design notes

'New Look' is a premier choice for edging, borders, and moon gardens due to its reflective silver sheen. It serves as an excellent "filler" in container compositions, providing a high-contrast backdrop for purple, blue, or red flowers. Its felted leaves also make it a popular addition to sensory gardens.

Summary

Dusty Miller 'New Look' is an indispensable foliage plant that offers unmatched texture and a sophisticated silver palette. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it a reliable workhorse for both professional landscapes and casual patio containers.

NOTE: Available for pickup after 5/15

Overview

Dusty Miller 'New Look' (Jacobaea maritima) is a standout cultivar celebrated for its striking silvery-white foliage and unique leaf structure. Unlike the finely lacy varieties, 'New Look' features large, rounded, oak-like leaves that provide a solid mass of cool color. It is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage, acting as a luminous "neutral" that makes surrounding flower colors pop.

Plant characteristics

  • Mature size: 8 to 12 inches in height; 10 to 12 inches in spread.

  • Flower: Produces small, mustard-yellow daisy-like flowers in the second year; however, these are often removed to prioritize foliage growth.

  • Foliage: Large, lobed, silver-to-white leaves with a soft, woolly, felt-like texture.

  • Hardiness: Typically grown as a summer annual; hardy as a perennial in USDA zones 8–10.

Light requirements

Full Sun is essential for maintaining the intense silver coloration. While it can tolerate partial shade, the foliage may turn more green than silver and the plant can become leggy in lower light conditions.

Water requirements

Dusty Miller is quite drought-tolerant once established. It requires moderate watering—roughly an inch per week—allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between applications. Avoid overwatering, as the felted leaves can trap moisture and lead to rot.

Soil and drainage

Prefers well-drained soil of average fertility. It is highly adaptable to various soil types but will fail quickly in heavy clay or waterlogged areas. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal.

Fertilizer

Requires minimal feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is sufficient to maintain vigorous foliage without causing excessive, weak growth.

Maintenance and pruning

Pruning is minimal. Pinch back the tips if the plant becomes too tall to encourage a bushier, mounded habit. Most gardeners choose to remove the flower stalks as they emerge to keep the plant's energy focused on its decorative leaves.

Uses and design notes

'New Look' is a premier choice for edging, borders, and moon gardens due to its reflective silver sheen. It serves as an excellent "filler" in container compositions, providing a high-contrast backdrop for purple, blue, or red flowers. Its felted leaves also make it a popular addition to sensory gardens.

Summary

Dusty Miller 'New Look' is an indispensable foliage plant that offers unmatched texture and a sophisticated silver palette. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it a reliable workhorse for both professional landscapes and casual patio containers.

NOTE: Available for pickup after 5/15