Care of the climbing plant Senecio mikanioides or German ivy |
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The genus Senecio, family Asteraceae, comprises 1,600 species of herbaceous succulent plants and shrubs distributed over all continents. Some species are: Senecio mikanioides, Senecio mandraliscae, Senecio kleinia, Senecio cruentus, Senecio barbertonicus, Senecio angulatus, Senecio stapeliiformis, Senecio serpens, Senecio elegans, Senecio pseudolongifolius, Senecio bicolor, Senecio macroglossus, Senecio jacobsenii, Senecio scaposus, Senecio compactus, Senecio petasitis, Senecio rowleyanus. Common name: German ivy. This species is native to South Africa. They are herbaceous evergreen sarmentosum plants that reach 7 meters (23 feet) in length. The glossy leaves are fleshy, heart-shaped and very similar to ivy leaves. Produces many scented yellow flowers. They are used to cover walls and pergolas, on slopes and in hanging pots. Senecio mikanioides needs full sun or semi-shade exposure (it will produce fewer flowers). They are ideal for gardens with a Mediterranean climate and for cities. They resist occasional frosts. They are very rustic plants that grow in any type of soil, even calcareous ones. Water moderately all year long, waiting for the soil to dry out. They are drought resistant plants. Prune in late winter to control their growth because they tend to be invasive plants. They do not need fertilizers. They are easy to grow plants and resistant to the main pests and diseases. They are propagated from cuttings in spring. |
Images of the climbing plant Senecio mikanioides or German ivy |
 Senecio mikanioides  Senecio mikanioides  Senecio mikanioides  Senecio mikanioides |