How to Grow Blue Chalk Sticks

Also known as Senecio, Blue Chalk Sticks' foliage is a most distinctive shade of frosted blue. It makes a spreading ground cover, its foliage being a great foil for other green-leafed plants. In summer it bears small cream flowers.

Full sun to part shade but protected from frosts

Infrequent deep watering as required in hot dry conditions

Well drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones. All year round.

How to grow blue chalk sticks in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development and healthy colourful foliage.

How to grow blue chalk sticks in a pot

Step 1

Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least twice the width and depth of the rootball. Position in full sun.

Step 2

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole in centre of pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 5

Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development and healthy colourful foliage.

Growing tips

Excellent as a high contrast groundcover or border. Also ideal in hanging baskets.
Prune back hard in late Winter to Early Spring (later in cooler areas) to encourage fresh dense growth.
Avoid overwatering and over fertilising to maintain a disease free plant.
Divide and propagate the plant in early spring, for best results.