Pericallis, Genus, ×, Hybrid, hybrida, Species,
- Genus & species
- Hybrid
Florist's cineraria
SunPart Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Pericallis × hybrida, florist's cineraria, is a compact flowering plant in the daisy family, grown as a cool-season annual or biennial for winter and spring color, mainly as a potted plant. It forms a mounded rosette 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) tall and 8–14 inches (20–35 cm) wide, with large, soft, triangular to heart-shaped leaves 3–8 inches (8–20 cm) long, dark green above and lighter beneath. Above the foliage it carries dense, domed clusters of daisy flowers 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across in saturated blue, purple, magenta, pink, red, and white, many with a contrasting white ring around the central disk. Bloom lasts four to eight weeks in cool conditions. It grows in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures of 45–60°F (7–16°C) in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Heat above about 75°F (24°C) ends flowering and shortens the plant's life, so it is treated as a temporary, single-season plant in most climates. Aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew are common problems, and the plant is sensitive to both drying out and waterlogging.
Native Range
Pericallis × hybrida is a garden hybrid raised from Pericallis species native to the Canary Islands, where its parents grow in laurel forest and on shaded slopes. It is not found in the wild and exists only in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Used as a winter and spring potted plant indoors, on cool porches, and in shaded containers, and as short-term bedding in mild-winter areas, spaced 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. The massed, saturated daisy colors fill cool-season displays when few other plants bloom. Its heat sensitivity limits it to a single cool season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'2"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue, purple, pink, red, or whiteFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
The plant grows in bright, indirect light and cool conditions of 45–60°F (7–16°C), in moist, fertile, well-drained potting mix. Even moisture is needed, as the large leaves wilt quickly when dry and rot when waterlogged. Light feeding every two to three weeks during growth supports flowering. Temperatures above about 75°F (24°C) stop bloom and shorten the plant's life. Aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners, and powdery mildew are managed by good airflow, inspection, and insecticidal soap. After flowering the plant is usually discarded rather than carried over.Pruning
Faded flower heads are removed to keep the display tidy and direct energy to remaining buds. No structural pruning is needed on this short-lived plant. Whole plants are cleared once flowering ends and heat sets in.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity Warning
Toxic to pets and humansPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
12 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
150–200 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches