Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks)

Hugging the ground, Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks) is a dwarf semi-trailing succulent of great ornamental appeal with its cylindrical blue-green leaves. Short, 1-2 in. long (3-5 cm), the powdery glaucous blue, finger-like fleshy leaves are borne on the prostrate stems. Ascending at first, the stems become prostrate, suckering from the base and rooting at the nodes as they touch the ground. Small creamy-white flowers held in corymbs rise just above the foliage in mid-summer to early fall (depending on growing conditions). Quickly forming a dense blue mat with its upward curving leaves, this low-growing succulent provides extraordinary form and color contrast in the landscape and makes a great small-scale groundcover.

• Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in sun or light shade. Drought and heat tolerant, Senecio can survive long, dry periods.
• Unlike many succulent plants, Senecio is a winter grower and summer dormant.
• Excellent for rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
• Deer and rabbit resistant, fire resistant.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to South Africa.