Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together. Dusty Miller can enjoy the presence of other plants, for example, Begonia.
The goal of companion planting is to achieve a healthy garden, protect plants that might be destroyed or eaten by pests (e.g., Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Ants, Insects), and add essential nutrients to the soil, as well as aid in pollination.
Dusty miller is an excellent choice for companion planting in the shade.
This plant grows best in full sunlight but will tolerate partial shade.
It needs at least 8 hours of sunlight a day.
If you don’t have enough sunlight, the dusty miller plant will survive but will lose its silvery foliage.
In addition, it doesn’t tolerate water stress. For best results, plant it in a sunny location.
10 Dusty Miller Companion Plants
For a healthy garden, the Dusty Miller plant can be grown with these 10 companion plants, with the majority being creeping annuals:
- Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
- Canadian anemone (Anemone Canadensis)
- Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
- Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana)
- Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
- Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
- Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa)
- Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
- Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Which Zones to Plant Dusty Miller?
This plant thrives in a wide range of temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10 but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.
The leaves are deeply notched, so they need afternoon shade. It is an excellent choice for container gardening. It doesn’t require much water. It is a drought-tolerant perennial that will thrive in a sunny location. The flowers will bloom continuously through the summer.
Dusty Miller is Deer-Resistant
A great feature of Dusty Miller is that it is remarkably trouble-free. It’s a deer-resistant plant that doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers.
But the foliage can be vulnerable to Aphids. For this reason, it is essential to spray the foliage with a solution of neem oil.
This will help keep pests at bay. However, some Dusty Miller plants are a better choice for gardeners than others, because they don’t tolerate harsh chemicals.
The Dusty Miller plant has a unique look. While the silver-white leaves of this plant are delicate, they are not as delicate as those of other plants.
How Big Does Dusty Miller Grow?
The Dusty Miller grows up to 6 inches in height and 8 inches in width. This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, but it likes to be planted in full sun. Their edges are less serrated and create a bolder look. The foliage is softly felt and is the ideal complement to other flowers in the garden.
This deer-resistant plant and can grow up to 12 inches tall. In warmer climates, it is annual. Its foliage is soft and has a deeply notched cut.
It can tolerate the occasional water. While it is deer resistant, its foliage is susceptible to aphids. If this happens, use neem oil to protect it and your plant.
In addition to accomodating other plants, the Dusty Miller is an excellent companion plant for many reasons. Its yellow flowers are attractive and can grow in a range of temperatures. It is a low-maintenance plant and can be grown in the garden without much effort.
How Long Does Dusty Miller Live?
It will live for about 10 years. A common pair with the Silverdust is a mounding silver flower. This type grows to about 18 inches in height and is drought resistant.
Dusty Miller is Toxic to Pets/Humans
When growing the Dusty Miller, remember to keep it away from children and pets. This plant is toxic if eaten. It should be kept away from kids and pets.
It will grow well in a sunny area. During the spring, it will be in full bloom in a few months. If you plan to grow the Dusty Miller in containers, you should choose a potted variety that grows in a sunny area.
How to Grow Dusty Miller Plant
The best way to grow the Dusty Miller is from seed or stem cuttings. For best results, plant the seeds outdoors after the last frost. Indoors, it can be sown between 10 and 15 weeks before the last frost.
It needs a bright, sunny spot to grow properly. For starters, the seeds should be placed in moist soil. A few seedlings may appear in a few weeks.
Dusty Miller Belongs to Daisy Family
This plant belongs to the daisy family and has tiny white flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant can be used as a backdrop for colorful flowers, or as a statement plant in a container. Its distinctive silver foliage will make the surrounding plants pop.
If grown in a sunny area, this plant will complement the other plants with ease. Aside from its beautiful flowers, this plant also makes a beautiful background.
Grow Dusty Miller in Patio and Sunny Windows
The dusty miller is an excellent choice for the patio or a sunny window. It is easy to maintain and requires little maintenance.
The plant will grow in a container or window box. If you choose to grow it in a pot, consider growing it alongside other plants in a hanging basket.
It will be an ideal plant for a hanging basket. But it will also look fantastic in an outdoor garden. If you choose a pot for your dusty miller, you should keep in mind that the following requirements apply:
Does Dusty Miller Plant Like Sun Or Shade?
First, its full-sun position helps it keep a compact shape. Partially-shaded areas provide some relief from the heat. In the shade, the plants are prone to wilting and branching out in search of sunlight.
To keep a compact form, give the plants full-sun exposure during the day.
Full Sun is the Ideal Growth Environment
The full-sun position is the best choice for dusty miller. It can tolerate partial shade as well.
The ideal conditions are 8 hours of direct sunlight. However, the dusty miller will not bloom well in low light, and will eventually lose its silver-leafed color.
In this condition, it is better to place the plant in partial shade. This will ensure that the plant gets the necessary nutrients and sunlight.
Plant Dusty Miller in Bright Spot
If you want to enjoy the striking foliage, Dusty miller needs a bright spot. A spot with the partial sun can be a great option. It should receive a full-sun area for optimum growth. If it is a part of a shady area, its foliage will be more visible than it is in the shade.
The dusty miller can tolerate a little bit of shade.
Should You Prune Dusty Miller?
When it comes to pruning, the dusty miller does not require extreme trimming, but it is easy to remove unwanted flower stalks.
While the flowers are not attractive, they are unattractive and take up the plant’s energy.
Therefore, it is best to cut off these blooms as soon as they appear. The flower heads will not affect the plant’s growth, and most people simply remove them.
The plant needs good drainage and pH level to grow. It is best planted in the shade if there is no light. It needs to be in the sun.
The soil should be moist but it does not need to be moist. If the plant is growing in the shade, it will require more water. If it is growing in the shade, it will require less water.
Dusty Miller is Drought-Tolerant
The dusty miller plant is very drought-tolerant. It is best interplanted in xeric gardens away from water sources.
Moreover, it requires very little water and can be grown in the shade. Despite its xeric nature, the plant still needs a little water and regular fertilizer. It prefers a sunny location. If you want to grow it in the shade, make sure the plants are compatible with each other.
The dusty miller plant likes full sun and partial shade.
It’s best to place the plant in the sun for 6 – 8 hours each day. If you want to grow it in the shade, it will need more sunlight than it needs in the full. If it is in the shade, the dusty miller should be protected from high winds. It is tolerant of temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees.
Conclusion
A great companion plant for Dusty Miller is the creeping annual plants, such as Wave Petunias, Begonia, Lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet Alyssum, etc.
It can also accommodate and be accommodated by ornamental grasses.
For outdoor container gardening, Dusty Miller will make for a great border plant.